Barcelona forward Paco Alcacer has reportedly emerged as a surprise transfer target for Southampton.
The Saints are currently struggling to retain their status in the Premier League, with Mark Hughes's team sitting two points adrift of safety in the standings.
However, the south coast club are already making plans for another year in the top flight and according to The Mirror, Alcacer has been identified as a possible arrival.
Alcacer is currently nearing the end of his second campaign at Camp Nou, with the 24-year-old having scored 14 goals from 21 starts and 24 substitute appearances as the Spaniard acts as backup to Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi.
The striker still has over three years remaining at the Catalan giants, but Southampton appear ready to try to tempt the La Liga leaders into a sale should they be able to offer the player Premier League football.
Southampton have struggled for goals all season, with Charlie Austin - who has just returned from a three-month injury layoff - still the club's top scorer with six strikes to his name.
Darren Plant
