Malaga midfielder Recio is interesting Southampton.
The Sun says the St Mary's outfit, who finished sixth last season and therefore will play Europa League football this coming campaign, are keen on £5m Recio, 24, who joined his home-town club six years ago.
Everton boss Ronald Koeman is keeping tabs on the defensive-minded central midfielder as well, like he did when in charge at Saints.
But his old side, looking for reinforcements after losing Victor Wanyama to Spurs, are in the lead at this stage.