Report: Southampton readying £5m Scott Sinclair bid

Southampton are preparing to hijack West Bromwich Albion's move for Scott Sinclair by offering to take the winger off Manchester City's books on a permanent basis.

Sinclair made a £6.2m switch from Swansea City to the Etihad Stadium last summer but started just two Premier League games under Roberto Mancini.

It seems that the 24-year-old is not in new City manager Manuel Pellegrini's plans either, with a deal having been agreed with West Brom for them to take Sinclair on a season-long loan.

However, the Baggies haven't committed to buying the player next summer, and The Mirror understands that Southampton are willing to meet his £5m valuation in this transfer window.

Sinclair would act as a direct replacement on the flanks for Jason Puncheon, who has reportedly been allowed to join Crystal Palace on a temporary deal until the end of the campaign.