REPORTED Saints target Max Johnston says he is aware of the transfer rumours but is "looking forward" to returning to Austria for pre-season.

Saints are said to have watched Sturm Graz right-back Johnston "very closely" this season, with a view to signing him as a replacement for Kyle Walker-Peters.

The 21 year old has just won his second Austrian Bundesliga title and became a full Scotland international in March.

Sky Sports have reported that Saints, along with Atalanta, Augsburg and Hamburg, are interested in the Middlesbrough-born defender, who is valued at £3million.

Asked about those links, he said: “As a player, I’ve got a level that I want to achieve and play at, and that is definitely the top. I’ve seen all the rumours and stuff.

Max Johnston made his Scotland debut earlier this year.Max Johnston made his Scotland debut earlier this year. (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA) READ: 'Pay that loyalty back' - Downes hints at future in thank you message to fans

“For me, just now, I’m contracted in Austria for another two years. I’m looking forward to going back for pre-season, and we will see where it takes me.”

Asked if he has a dream club, former Motherwell defender Johnston added: “It’s definitely got to be Real Madrid for me.”

Out-of-contract defender Walker-Peters will depart Saints this summer after a four-and-a-half-year stint at St Mary's.

The two-time England international made 202 appearances for Southampton and will be available on a free transfer.

Fellow right-back Yukinari Sugawara has reportedly drawn interest from Serie A champions Napoli, while James Bree is keen to nail down a starting spot.

"If the chance is there for me next season, hopefully I can take it and make the position mine, but we'll just see what happens," he told the Daily Echo.