SAINTS are reportedly among several English clubs 'keeping tabs' on the progress on Middlesbrough loanee Sam Greenwood. 

The 21 year old Leeds United forward departed Elland Road on loan this summer despite making 18 Premier League appearances last campaign. 

Greenwood joined potential promotion rivals Boro, managed by Michael Carrick, and has scored four goals in 14 Championship appearances, assisting a further two. 

The former Arsenal product can play anywhere in a front three and was prolific in Premier League 2 for Leeds United's under-21s before making his senior bow, netting 22 in 45. 

TEAMtalk report that Saints, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Leicester City have been tracking Greenwood's progress this season. 

Middlesbrough sealed a £1.5million buy option in their loan deal for Greenwood but it requires the player himself to agree to a new contract with the club. 

The report details that Middlesbrough already know they will find it hard to land his permanent signing if they are not promoted to the Premier League this season.

It suggests Saints themselves would therefore need to land promotion this campaign under Russell Martin in order to pursue a deal. 

Leeds boss, Daniel Farke, recently said: “We are happy that he’s progressing in the right way because in general, not just about Sam, when you loan a player out you have two targets.

"Either that he comes back in a good rhythm after a good loan with good performances and good confidence to improve your squad or to increase his value out of a business aspect.

“I think it was the right decision to send Sam out because he’s a young player full of potential and has many good skills, for example set pieces and free-kicks.

"He’s one of the best free-kick takers I’ve ever worked with and I’ve worked with some good players like James Maddison."