Southampton reportedly 'eyeing move' for on-loan Plymouth Argyle star

The 23 year old attacking midfielder has spent the last 18 months at Home Park but remains contracted by parent club Aston Villa.

Azaz helped Plymouth to promotion from League One and has continued his fine form in the Championship with seven goals and five assists so far.

Creative spark London-born Azaz, who represented the Republic of Ireland as a youth international, operates centrally as a 10 or an eight. 

Saints are in the market for reinforcements as they look to bolster their chances of promotion to the Premier League but a right-winger is a priority. 

However, TEAMtalk report that Azaz is admired by both Saints, who sit third in the division, and Middlesbrough - who are four points outside of the top six.

January window is now open. Won't be as busy as last year. What to expect from Saints, including:

🔻 Spend must be recouped if not promoted.
🔻 Winger on loan. Multiple options.
🔻 Plan for no big sales but Adams needs replacing if so.
🔻 Holgate return seems likely.#SaintsFC

— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) January 1, 2024

They detail that the two clubs are keeping tabs but it remains to be seen if Aston Villa would be willing to sell Azaz given he signed a new contract last summer. 

Plymouth interim boss Neil Dewsnip did accept Azaz may be recalled to Villa Park this month when asked about the player's future. 

He said: "Last year would suggest that we need to be aware of every possibility, last year Morgan Whittaker went back to Swansea and that was beyond our control.

"We are in ongoing discussions with all our loan clubs to make sure we are ready for whatever it is. Hopefully, he stays with us."

Saints have been linked to several attackers in the last week, including Amad Diallo, David Brooks, Fabio Carvalho and Manuel Benson. 

Financial Fair Play constraints mean Saints are most likely to use the loan market to improve their squad unless there are any sales of their own.