Southampton to battle Stoke City for Stefano Okaka?

Sampdoria forward Stefano Okaka has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target of Southampton and Stoke City.

The 25-year-old joined the Blucerchiati from Parma last January and has scored four league goals this season.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, he has attracted the interest of Stoke and the Saints, with scouts from the Potters sent to watch him during his side's 1-0 defeat to Juventus at the weekend.

Okaka won his first cap for Italy this season and scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Albania.