SLOVAKIAN international Albert Rusnak, who was reported as a Saints target in December, has now become a free-agent after expiry of his Real Salt Lake contract.

The 27-year-old can now be picked up by any side on a free transfer, following a successful five-year spell in USA’s MLS.

The attacking midfielder who also operates as winger for his country, whom he has been capped by 35 times, scored 40 goals in 138 MLS matches to help take his side to the playoffs on three occasions.

Five-foot nine-inch tall Rusnak is a product of Manchester City’s academy, where he spent seven years between 2008 and 2015 before transferring to the Netherlands’ Eredivisie.

The Mail last month reported the Slovakian star as a Saints target while his contract ticked down – and that has now expired, leaving him unassigned.

The report also named Newcastle as an interested party, adding that Rusnak is open to a return to England where he often featured in Premier League 2.

Rusnak also had fleeting spells in League One and the Championship with Oldham Athletic and Birmingham City, while on the books as a City youngster.

Rusnak, at 27-years-old, does not fit exactly the mould of player that manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has said Saints will target under new owners Sport Republic.

The Austrian boss spoke of Tino Livramento-style deals that the St Mary’s outfit will look to replicate.

However, Hasenhuttl did admit that Saints can now make a January transfer without having to sell first, and Rusnak’s versatility across the pitch as an attacking midfielder would make him fit well in the 4-2-2-2 formation.