Southampton are exploring the possibility of moving for Everton's Michael Keane to shore up their leaky defence in the January window.
Bottom of the Premier League table on just 12 points from 18 games, the Saints see Keane as a strong option, given his leadership qualities and wealth of Premier League experience, according to the Athletic's David Ornstein.
Neither side has brought in any new faces - although Southampton have made enquiries for Villarreal's Nicolas Jackson - but it is unclear whether Frank Lampard will let any defenders leave with Nathan Patterson set for up to six weeks out.