Southampton are in talks to sign Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu on loan.
The 20-year-old is highly rated at Stamford Bridge and had an impressive pre-season campaign in which he scored against Inter Milan and Wrexham.
But the Blues have an oversized squad and believe Ugochukwu’s development is best served on loan in the Premier League.
Ugochukwu joined Chelsea last season in a £23.2million deal from Rennes but played just 15 times in an injury-hit campaign.
He has represented France at under-21 level.
Southampton would have to complete the signing of Ugochukwu before 12:00 BST on Friday to include him in their matchday squad for their opening Premier League fixture at Newcastle on Saturday.