Southampton are launching a bid for VVV Venlo defender Maya Yoshida.

The Sun says Yoshida has also been attracting interest from Newcastle, Everton, Stoke and Fulham.

But Saints boss Nigel Adkins has already tabled a £2 million bid and hopes to land Yoshida, 23, who starred in the London 2012 Olympics, next week.

VVV boss Hans Soentjens said: "The response from England has been one of high praise. I know a number of clubs from the Premier League are very interested."