SOUTHAMPTON have identified Ben Brereton Diaz as a target following promotion.

The Saints are keen to invest in the forward line this summer and are weighing up a move for the Chile international – who spent the second half of the season on loan at Sheffield United from Villarreal.

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Despite playing in the side which finished bottom of the table, the former Blackburn forward scored six goals in 14 Premier League appearances during the loan.

Brereton Diaz’s impressive form alongside Saints striker Adam Armstrong during their time together at Blackburn is also a bonus.

Southampton are exploring either a permanent move or another loan with an option to buy.

The south coast club also have Manchester City academy graduate Liam Delap on their shortlist.

Delap was a target for the club last summer following their relegation but opted to join Hull City on loan instead, where he scored eight goals in 32 games, including one against the Saints.

The youngster, son of former Southampton midfielder Rory Delap, missed a chunk of the season with a knee injury.

Southampton have already signed Taylor Harwood-Bellis on a permanent deal following their promotion and are keen to bring Flynn Downes in permanently.

There has been long standing interest from Russell Martin in Callum O’Hare on a free transfer – though that deal is now seen as unlikely.

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Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of French phenomenon Kylian Mbappe.

Chelsea have announced the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the club’s new head coach.

Manchester City are reportedly keen on tying Erling Haaland down to a new deal.

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Adam Lallana will return to the club after leaving Brighton at the end of his deal while Jack Clarke at Sunderland is also a target.

Talks are ongoing with Che Adams over a new contract.

Adams is a target for Wolves on a free transfer though there is some hope at St. Mary’s that the Scotland striker may stay after all.

The forward is set to feature at Euro 2024 in Germany for Steve Clarke’s men.