ITALIAN reports have claimed interest from Serie A giants Napoli in Saints defenders Jan Bednarek and Mohammed Salisu.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Napoli have identified a number of defensive target ahead of this summer's transfer window, with both Bednarek, 25, and Salisu, 22, on their shortlist.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has settled on the pairing as his best two centre-backs this season, with Salisu in particular displaying his level after a slow start to his Saints career.

He is currently ranked among the top 10 in the English top flight for tackles, clearances, interceptions and aerial duel won.

Salisu arrived in the Premier League for a fee of just over £10million from Spanish side Real Valladolid in August 2020, with his value skyrocketing since then.

Polish international Bednarek is under contract at the St Mary’s outfit until 2025, while Salisu’s contract is currently set to expire one year earlier.

Napoli have Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe on loan for the remainder of the season, but the report also details that they are not likely to exercise an option to buy on him.

The Naples outfit are third in the Serie A, three points behind league leaders AC Milan with 10 matches still to play. They were knocked out of the Europa League by Barcelona in February.