SAINTS have made their decision on whether to sign Porto midfielder Ussumane Djalo on a permanent basis.

The 20 year old has spent the second half of last season at Staplewood, playing with the under-21s in Premier League 2.

The loan, first reported by the Daily Echo, was understood to be a chance to take a closer look at Djalo and make an informed decision on his future.

Djalo has been allowed to return to Portugal early with Saints deciding not to make his stay in England permanent.

This is despite incorrect reports from a Saints fan page recently suggesting the club had opened talks to sign him.

Previous reports in Portugal suggested Djalo had an option to buy for around £8million in his contract, although this would have been an unlikely price in any situation.

The made 19 year old made seven appearances in Premier League 2, starting four fixtures including a 2-0 win over Norwich City.

Saints failed to qualify for the Premier League 2 playoffs after a 6-3 final-day defeat at home to Manchester United.

Djalo, who has been capped by Portugal's U15-U19 national sides, began his fledgling career in Benfica's academy.

He later joined Porto and featured for their B team in Portugal's second division and the UEFA Youth League.