Sources close to Armando Broja and within Southampton have told the Daily Echo that suggestions the club have made an official bid for the striker are wide of the mark.

On Tuesday afternoon, 90min.com reported that Southampton had made an "official bid" for Broja but that claim was swiftly denied both by those close to the player and sources within the club.

Broja notched nine times in all competitions while on loan at St Mary's last season and while manager Ralph Hasenhuttl made no secret of his desire to keep him, there has been no offical bid thus far.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel expressed a desire to keep Broja around his squad for pre-season before any final decision is made on his future.

Saints remain interested in the Albanian international but that is as far as things have progressed for now.

Hasenhuttl is down to two recognised strikers - Che Adams and Armstrong - after the departures of Broja and Shane Long.

Thus far Saints have focused on reinforcing their leaky defence with goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu and Mateusz Lis arriving at the club along with centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap.

Meanwhile, Southampton are hopeful of completing a deal for defensive midfielder Romeo Lavia within the next 24 hours.