Marek Saganowski's agent has confirmed that Saints are still the striker's number one choice this summer.

The Polish hitman will be sold by French club Troyes and Saints will be keen to tie up a deal to bring him to St Mary's permanently.

When Saganowski joined on loan in January, Saints insisted on a clause that gave them an option to buy him at a fixed price.

But they will have to come up with the money soon if they are to bag their man with a host of other Premiership and Championship clubs circling.

That would also suit Troyes who would receive far more money through an auction rather than the fee Saints would have agreed at the start of the year.

However, Saganowski and his agent, Jaroslaw Kolakowski, have both now confirmed that Saints is his preferred destination if a deal can be tied up.

He said: "There are a number of clubs interested in Marek, but at this moment I am in negotiations with Southampton.

"Some Premiership clubs and Championship teams have contacted me regarding Marek.

"Marek wants to stay in England and he wants to go to a good club.

"Southampton are a good club and they are his first choice as he enjoyed him time there.

"But if talks take too long with Southampton he could move to another club."