Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is keen on signing Moussa Djenepo, according to reports in Belgium.

The report suggests that the Standard Liege midfielder will cost the St Mary’s side in the region of £20 million

Djenepo, 20, has played 37 times for the Belgian outfit this season, who are currently third in the First Division A, scoring 11 goals.

Saints chief Hasenhuttl is expected to put his stamp on his team this summer after using the January transfer window as a time to move players out.

And with the Austrian last week ruling out a large number of departures this time around, all eyes will be on who the club brings in.

Having already said that he doesn’t want to sign star players, Djenepo fits the profile of someone Hasenhuttl would take an interest in.

The 20-year-old has already represented the Mali national team eight times since making his debut against the Ivory Coast back in October 2017.

When questioned by the Daily Echo on what type of player Saints will attempt to recruit during the summer, Hasenhuttl responded: “I think everybody knows that although we are following the Southampton Way it is not only possible with this way to be successful and we have to sign players for sure.

“That is only possible with money and that is something everybody knows so we will spend money for sure. How much depends on what we get for the players we sell. That is also important.

“Finally, I guarantee we try to bring players here who see us as the next step in their devolvement.

“The most important goal is they are not too old and sign a first or second contract and see us as a big chance to show up in the Premier League.”