SAINTS have reportedly struck a deal with Torino for Brazilian centre-back Lyanco, in a deal worth up to £6million.

The 24-year-old defender is a product of the Sao Paulo academy in Brazil but joined Italian Serie A side Torino in 2017, and has represented his country at under-23 level.

Not including a loan spell at fellow top division side Bologna, Lyanco has made 46 league appearances in four seasons for his current side, including 23 during the 2020-21 campaign in which they only just avoided relegation.

He won the Toulon Tournament whilst representing Brazil under-23s in 2019.

The 6foot 2’ tall centre-half is now reportedly headed for a Premier League move to Saints, according to Italian publication DiMarzio.

The report also details how there has been prior interest from fellow English side Watford.

With the experience and know-how of Jannik Vestergaard going the other way for £15m earlier in the month, it seems a surprise selection to be the number one replacement given Lyanco’s relative inexperience.

We will look to bring more potential details when they come.