Southampton “remain in the race” to sign Josip Vukovic this summer, according to talkSPORT.
Saints will be rivalled by Aston Villa and Leeds United, however, who are also keen on bringing in the Maritimo midfielder.
Leeds’ interest could rely on the future of key man Kalvin Phillips, who continues to be linked with a move away from Elland Road, ironically to Villa.
Southampton are looking to offload a number of surplus players before the end of the transfer window – if they manage to do that, it “could be Ralph Hasenhuttl winning the race for his signature”.
Vukovic is likely to cost £1.5 million, with Leicester City, Wolves and Watford all previously linked with him.
He has already reportedly turned down approaches from Benfica, Lille and an unnamed Russian outfit because he wants to play in England.
Although uncapped at senior level, Vukovic has 12 caps to his name for Croatia’s U19s.
