Manchester City are set to test Southampton’s resolve by preparing a move for Saints forward Jay Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, who has not featured this season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in April, is also the subject of attention from Liverpool and Tottenham.
Despite closing in on a £30m deal for Swansea’s Wilfried Bony, City manager Manuel Pellegrini is keen to bolster his attacking options.
Southampton are adamant that the striker is not for sale, but an offer of £20m may mean he can talk to clubs.
There is the offer of a new deal from the Saints, but Rodriguez wants to focus on getting back to full fitness and form before discussing any new deal.
He signed for Southampton from Burnley for £6m back in 2012, and Saints seem set to make a decent profit if he does leave.
Steve Osborne @Pack3rNa7ion
