FAN favourite Charly Alcaraz has returned to Staplewood following his loan spell at Juventus during the second half of last season.

The midfielder was not spotted among the initial crop of players who reported for pre-season but was pictured back with Russell Martin's squad on Wednesday.

Alcaraz, 21, joined Italian giants Juventus on loan in January in a deal which contained an option to buy.

READ MORE: What should Saints do with returning loanees Alcaraz and Bella-Kotchap?

Charly Alcaraz struggled for regular game time under Russell Martin last termCharly Alcaraz struggled for regular game time under Russell Martin last term (Image: PA) However, reports in Italy suggest the Old Lady are unlikely to active that clause with the Argentine now back in the UK.

Alcaraz's future on the south coast remains uncertain amid reported interest from fellow Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Tottenham.

The former Racing Club man failed to make the desired impact in the Championship last term under Russell Martin before departing on loan.

He played just 1,102 minutes across 23 Championship games, scoring three times and laying on one assist.

Saints are in the market for midfielders following Stuart Armstrong's departure and the end of Flynn Downes and Joe Rothwell's loans.

Alcaraz signed a new long-term contract last year which has tied him down until 2028.