Southampton boss Claude Puel is coy over their pursuit of Lille winger Sofiane Boufal.
The Morocco international is the subject of a £20 million-plus bid from Saints.
"It's not possible to speak on a player if he hasn't signed for Southampton," said Puel.
"We'll see in the next day if this is possible or not, but at the moment it's difficult to make a comment or to communicate on this player."
Lille boss Frederic Antonetti was far more forthcoming on Morocco forward Boufal's situation when talking to the press on Thursday, admitting 'his departure is imminent'.