IVAN Juric's Atalanta are reportedly interested in signing Saints winger Kamaldeen Sulemana this summer.

Kamaldeen, who started nine Premier League games under the Croatian, could follow Juric to Italy following Southampton's relegation.

Southampton's record signing is yet to reach the levels expected of him following a big-money move from Rennes in 2023.

Italian outlet Di Marzio report that Atalanta have started discussions with Saints for 23 year old Kamaldeen.

The forward has scored just four goals in 74 appearances since joining Saints, and was minutes away from a loan switch to Ajax last summer.

Kamaldeen Sulemana scored twice under Ivan Juric.Kamaldeen Sulemana scored twice under Ivan Juric. (Image: Richard Crease) READ: Subscribe in £4 offer for upcoming interview with Saints owner Dragan Solak

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However, Juric was a fan of Kamaldeen during his time as Saints boss, and the Ghananian winger also praised the winger for giving him another chance at St Mary's. 

He brought the former FC Nordsjælland winger in from the cold after Kamaldeen was handed a limited role under former boss Russell Martin.

"I think there are lots of players that are doing really good. Sulemana is one of these players," Juric said after Kamaldeen's goal against AFC Bournemouth.

"It's not the first time that he played good. Here, he scored a great goal. I think with more confidence, with more games, he will be even much better.

"He needs that because sometimes he is really too hurried to score or too hurried to do something," continued the boss.

"Today he scored a great goal with his left foot, that means he can score with his right foot, with his left foot. I think he will be better every game."

Juric has signed a two-year deal with Champions League side Atalanta following his disastrous Saints tenure.