SAINTS are reportedly among a handful of Championship sides in the race to sign Benfica forward Tiago Gouveia on a season-long loan.

Gouveia, 22, is a Portuguese under-21 international who scored five goals and provided a further five assists in his debut season in Portugal’s top flight last campaign.

The winger spent the season on loan from Benfica at GD Estoril Praia, who finished 14th in the 18-team division and secured their status for another year.

Gouveia has already made his debut for Benfica’s senior side, assisting in a 2-0 win over Pacos Ferreira in his second appearance and first start, on the final day of the 2021-22 season.

The five-foot 10-inch ace is still likely to be behind Benfica’s options in the pecking order and Gouveia could seek another loan for development.

The Telegraph report that Saints, Hull City, Watford and West Brom are among the teams in the race to sign the youngster for the campaign.

However, Saints manager Russell Martin has already admitted his squad is too large and exits will have to come before additions in certain positions.

Saints are in the market to improve their team and with the likely exits of James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia, money will be no issue.