A REPORT elsewhere claims Brighton have made Saints boss Russell Martin a managerial target ahead of the summer. 

Current Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi could leave the Amex Stadium at the end of the season, it is widely understood.

The Italian has refused to commit his future amid links to soon-to-be vacant posts such as Liverpool and Barcelona. 

Meanwhile, Martin, 38, is looking to get his Saints side promoted back to the Premier League in his first season at the helm. 

A new report on website FootballTransfers claims that Brighton engaged in discussions with Martin during the international break. 

It adds that Martin's hometown club see him as a potential replacement for De Zerbi in the summer if required. 

Martin played for the youth academy at Brighton in the early 2000s, before departing to join Sussex-based non-league side Lewes FC. 

Brighton have looked to play a similar high-possession style as Martin throughout their time in the Premier League. 

While Saints lead the Championship for possession, only Man City have kept more of the ball in the top-flight than Brighton this season. 

Martin spent two seasons at both former clubs, MK Dons and Swansea City, before moving on to take a bigger job offer. 

The rumour is as of yet unsubstantiated, while the Daily Echo has approached Saints for clarity on the claim. 

Saints have seven games left of their season, with the likelihood of playoffs for promotion back to the Premier League to come.