Southampton's initial bid for defender Jan Bednarek rejected?

Southampton have reportedly failed in their attempt to sign Jan Bednarek from Lech Poznan but are ready to return with an improved offer.

The 21-year-old, identified by Saints chief Les Reed to bolster the club's defensive ranks, is said to have been made the subject of a £4.5m bid.

Poznan rejected the offer for the Poland Under-21s international but, according to The Sun, Southampton are not ready to walk away and could make a second offer of around £7.5m.

Bednarek is not the only defender to have been linked with a move to the south coast in recent days, as the Saints - currently without a manager - also reportedly want Kevin Wimmer from Tottenham Hotspur if his asking price is slashed.

Southampton finished eighth in the Premier League last season, though a disappointing end was enough to cost boss Claude Puel his job.