ITALIAN giants Napoli are reportedly monitoring Saints full-back Yukinari Sugawara ahead of a potential summer move.

Sugawara, 24, is said to be on the Serie A club's shortlist of right-backs and could depart St Mary's after just one year.

The Japan international joined Southampton in a £6million summer move from AZ Alkmaar but has struggled since showing early promise.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Saints could be offered an opportunity to offload Sugawara in the summer transfer window.

Manager Ivan Juric recently challenged Sugawara to be more careful in the wake of his reoccurring lapses that have caused Saints to concede goals.

Sugawara has opened up about his frustrations this season, admitting he is "not satisfied" with his own performances or the club's fortunes.

He will be keen to retain his spot in Japan's 2026 World Cup squad, having played a role in helping the Blue Samurai become the first team to qualify for next year's competition.

Asked about his future by the Daily Echo, Suagawara said: "I don't want to think about the future after this season because I just focus on my career at Saints.

"Now I've been in a tough period, and we have to work for the club until the end of the season. Then we will think about it.

"But now I just focus on performances at Saints. I don't think about transfers or anything if we are relegated.

"I really don't want to think about it. We just have to fight to stay up to the Premier League. That's the only thing I can and we have to do."

Sugawara has made 26 appearances for Saints this season in the Premier League, scoring once and providing one assist.