Southampton are eyeing Espanyol midfielder Joan Verdu.
The Daily Echo says Mauricio Pochettino could use his influence to sign Verdu for free after the Spanish playmaker confirmed he will quit Espanyol this summer.
The 30-year-old, enjoyed the best years of his career under the management of Pochettino - who made him captain at Espanyol - and yesterday turned down the offer of a new deal at the La Liga side.
His deal expires at the end of this month.