SAINTS have reportedly made a £10million offer for Swansea City defender Nathan Wood.

The 21 year old was signed by Russell Martin at the South Wales club last season before going on to make 40 Championship appearances.

Wood, who has one year left on his current contract, has scored once in his first three league appearances this season.

Sky Sports report that Southampton have made an approach for the England youth international. 

Their report notes that Saints bid proposes an initial £7million fee with a further £3million in performance-based bonuses.

Martin is a long-term admirer of the former Hibernian loanee, having attempted to recruit him at MK Dons before completing the signing at Swansea.

Wood ranked third amongst centre-backs in the Championship last season for passes attempted (2,598), only behind teammate Ben Cabango (3,139) and Middlesborough's Darragh Lenihan (2,727).

Speaking during his time working with Wood at Swansea, Martin said: “I am really proud of him – he’s been amazing.

Daily Echo: England under-21 international Nathan Wood is reportedly one of four Saints targets at Swansea

"A young man who has just grown and grown on the pitch and off the pitch as well.

“He is becoming a real leader in the group, he’s one of the louder ones we have on the pitch and in the dressing room.


READ MORE: What West Ham loanee Flynn Downes adds to Southampton's midfield


"He is just a brilliant young man who we have hopefully helped be able to express himself on the pitch and off it.

“He’s an incredible learner and he’s incredibly brave with the way that he plays. He will play at the very top, no doubt about it.

“He is a huge asset to the football club, on the pitch and off the pitch. He will be a huge asset financially at some point.

"I look at him and he is 6ft 3in, he is built like a heavyweight boxer and he can run very fast.

"He displays unbelievable courage and technique on the ball"

Should a deal for Wood be struck he would follow Ryan Manning and Flynn Downes to become the third player that Martin has signed having previously worked with them at the Welsh club.