RUMOURED Saints target Marcus Pedersen believes moving to St Mary’s would help him take the next step in his career – before admitting that he had not spoken with the Premier League club.

Right-back Pedersen, currently with Eredivisie side Feyenoord, was linked to Saints by the Athletic at the start of the month.

Capped 13 times by Norway, Pedersen appears aware of the interest from Hampshire, revealing that he was keen to play at the highest level.

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However, he refuted the idea that a move is already in the offing, stating that he was also happy to stay in Rotterdam with European football on offer.

Pedersen missed just three games of Feyenoord’s run to the final of the Europa Conference League, coming off the bench to play 16 minutes in the final.

In an interview with ESPN, the Norwegian international stated: "I am a player who has never been afraid to move, to take new steps in a higher league.

"That something is I am not afraid of.

“Southampton have shown for years that they can develop young talents in England, and have sold them to bigger clubs. So they are a good club for developing young players.

“I have not spoken to them. I don't want to let many rumours come into my head, thinking and stressing. I just want to focus on football. When I am here now, I want to be 100 per cent mentally in the training sessions, the games, etcetera.

"There are a lot of rumours, but now I just focus on Feyenoord and pre-season here.

"I'm a Feyenoord player, so all the things that happen around, I don't want to focus on. My mind is here in Feyenoord, and I also want to be a part of that project.”

After only joining the Dutch side last summer, the 21-year-old raised doubts over whether a third move in just two years would be beneficial for his career at this stage.

"To stay would be a good choice for me. I've been here for a year now, I feel comfortable here, know the club, the coach and amazing fans.

“I have a rested mind now to only focus on football. Let's say if I'm moving now, it's the third time in two years. You always have to settle down in a new place, which also takes a lot of energy."

"I like the Netherlands.

“It is a beautiful country, and especially Rotterdam is a very nice city.

“I have nothing to complain about here. There are pros and cons from both sides, I have a lot of pros to stay."

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