SWANSEA City defender Nathan Wood is 'expected to join' Southampton according to the latest reports.

The 22 year old saw his contract in South Wales extended by one year following Swansea's 14th-place finish last season.

Luke Williams' side have been braced for interest in the defender who made 26 league appearances last term.

Martin is a long-term admirer of Wood having attempted to sign him at MK Dons before eventually getting his man at Swansea.

Southampton had reportedly made a bid to sign the England youth international last season last term, but a move did not materialise. 

READ MORE: Swansea’s Williams expects Southampton Wood transfer interest

Numerous outlets across the border have indicated that Wood is 'closing in' on a reunion with Martin ahead of Southampton's Premier League return.

Speaking about the young defender while still Swansea boss, Martin said: “I am really proud of him – he’s been amazing.

"A young man who has just grown and grown on the pitch and off the pitch as well. He is becoming a real leader in the group, he’s one of the louder ones we have on the pitch and in the dressing room.

“He’s an incredible learner and he’s incredibly brave with the way that he plays. He will play at the very top, no doubt about it.

“He is a huge asset to the football club, on the pitch and off the pitch. He will be a huge asset financially at some point.

"I look at him and he is 6ft 3in, he is built like a heavyweight boxer and he can run very fast. He displays unbelievable courage and technique on the ball."

The former Middlesbrough youngster earned his last England under-21 cap in April, playing 90 minutes alongside Taylor Harwood-Bellis in a 5-1 thrashing of Azerbaijan.