Southampton are reportedly interested in Lincoln City midfielder Ellis Chapman, according to Lincolnshire Live.
The homegrown midfielder was a regular for the Imps during the first half of the season, however, the teenager then spent the second half of the campaign out on loan with National League side Chesterfield.
Chapman excelled for the Spireites, helping them pull clear of the relegation zone in England’s fifth tier.
As a result of his impressive campaign, the 18-year-old, who is out of contract next summer, is being monitored by the Saints, as well as Championship duo Derby County and Wigan Athletic.
Lincoln boss Danny Cowley is reluctant to let the midfielder leave the club this summer, however, a reasonable bid from the Saints could tempt the Imps into selling the teenager, which would allow the club to reinvest the funds received into transfers for themselves.
Southampton have a reputation for developing young players into first-team stars, so Chapman could jump at the chance to move to St Mary’s this summer.
