Southampton are eager to sign Dutch defender Deyovaisio Zeefuik.

The 22-year-old has one year left on his contract with FC Groningen.

And the club's director Mark-Jan Fledderus admits the player may be ready to make the next step in his career. The player is also linked to Hertha Berlin.

Asked about Southampton's interest in Zeefuik, Fledderus said, via the Daily Echo: "In the end, the player must also want to go there, otherwise you still have nothing."

He added: "It is my impression that they (Hertha Berlin) still want it, but at the moment we are not yet together. They will have to reach an agreement with FC Groningen.

"Deyo has a contract with us for 11 months. We would prefer to keep him: I tried to renew, but he didn't want that and I understand that too.

"He is ready for the next step."