Southampton remain interested in Werder Bremen midfielder Eljero Elia.
The Daily Echo says Southampton are not taking up their option to sign Elia - but are continuing to negotiate with Werder Bremen to bring the player back on a cheaper deal, according to the German club.
The clause allowing Saints to sign him - which reportedly stood at €5.5m (about £4m) - has been seen as too expensive.
Werder chief Rouven Schröder told Kicker: “We are in talks about other conditions."