SAINTS are still pursuing a club-record deal for SC Braga striker Vitinha as we enter the final hours of the January transfer window, the Daily Echo understands.

The 22-year-old is contracted to 2027 and is said to have a release clause for around £27million, so it is likely to take meeting that to make a move happen.

The Portuguese youth international has scored 13 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions this season and is considered one of the country’s top emerging talents.

Vitinha has scored the winner in his last two Liga Portuguesa matches and Sport Republic have demonstrated they are willing to spend a club-record transfer fee for the right forward.

Deals for Cody Gakpo and Goncalo Ramos never materialised in the summer but both were likely to exceed the current record figure.

Saints are in pursuit of Vitinha and could get it over the line, despite reported interest from Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

Sources told the Daily Echo that Brighton were done for the window last night but that could change.

Social media-based football guru The Secret Scout reported they had also met his release clause. All questions will be answered by the transfer deadline of 11PM tonight.

Any final decision would rest in the hands of the player, if a release clause for his contract was met by Saints. 

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