Southampton do not want to loan out Mario Lemina this summer.

The Saints understand the player wants to move on, but they would prefer a direct sale if a move is to happen.

Reports in Italy indicated that Atalanta would make a loan offer.

The Daily Echo says no formal offer for Lemina has arrived.

The Gabonese international will stay with Southampton unless a permanent transfer offer in the range of what the club paid to sign him arrives.

Lemina arrived in 2017 for £15 million.