SAINTS have had a bid accepted by Blackburn Rovers for striker Adam Armstrong, the Daily Echo understands.

Armstrong has been linked with a move to St Mary's all summer, with one bid of £8million reportedly turned down, as the Lancashire side pushed for closer to £20m.

But Saints have now gone back in for the 24-year-old, with a move looking a step closer. Talks are now commencing between the player and the south coast club, with reports suggesting he has been booked in for a medical at Staplewood on Tuesday.

Some media outlets say the deal would be worth up to £15million.

Fellow Premier League sides Norwich City and Crystal Palace have all been linked with Armstrong this summer, with the prolific forward's contract at Ewood Park set to expire next summer.

He joined Blackburn from Newcastle for £1.75million in 2018, with the Tyneside club said to retain a 40 per cent sell-on clause on any profit raised by the sale of Armstrong.

Rovers boss Tony Mowbray left Armstrong out of his side's Championship opener against Swansea on Saturday, saying afterwards: "I think the club are right to have a valuation and it needs meeting.

“These clubs that have bids in for him, for me, the Premier League, you see some of the money, we’re arguing over a few quid here and there, pay the asking price, get the job done and let’s get on with it.

“That’s how I see. He’s our player, I think he’s an amazing player, and if he had three years left no-one would be getting him for less than £25m, those sort of numbers, yet he hasn’t. But you have to pay the price.

“I think this club are right to stand their ground and get what they’re asking for.

“If clubs go passed the cut-off date, then he’ll be staying.”

Armstrong netted 29 goals for Blackburn last season.

Saints are desperately searching for a new striker after Danny Ings left the club to join Aston Villa last week.