SAINTS continue to be linked with a number of players as they look ahead to their Premier League return this season.

Southampton are reportedly close to finalising a deal for Japanese right-back Yukinari Sugawara from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

He will become the fifth new addition to Russell Martin's side ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

Saints will continue to add players as they look to build a squad capable of avoiding an immediate return to the Championship.

READ MORE: Japan and AZ right-back Sugawara reportedly set for Saints medical

Here are the latest transfer rumours involving Southampton in the last 24-48 hours... 

Saints interested in World Cup-winning free agent?

Southampton have been listed among teams reportedly interested in Argentine midfielder Guido Rodríguez.

The 30 year old is available on a free transfer after his contract at Real Betis expired at the end of June.

ESPN Argentina report that Southampton, Trabzonspor and teams in Mexico have enquired about Rodríguez.

The 30-time Argentine international was a part of the squad which lifted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Rodríguez made 173 appearances for Betis between 2020 and 2024, including 21 games in the Europa League.

Guido Rodriguez is available on a free transfer after leaving Real BetisGuido Rodriguez is available on a free transfer after leaving Real Betis (Image: PA)

Saints among clubs in the hunt for Colombian starlet

Southampton have reportedly shown an interest in signing Envigado and Colombia youth international winger Luis Diaz.

The 20 year old is a product of the same academy as James Rodriguez, Yaser Asprilla and Jhon Duran.

In an interview with El Espectador, Diaz claimed that Saints and Brighton have shown an interest in his services for the past year.

He explained: "I couldn't leave at the time because I didn't recover from my injury. Right now I have a chance, let's wait and see if I can show my football skills in another country."

Diaz has scored 10 goals in 59 senior appearances after making his debut in 2021.

No positive talks over Kyle Walker-Peters contract extension

Kyle Walker-Peters' time at St Mary's appears to be drawing to an end with Saints set to sign Sugawara.

READ MORE: 'Right place for him' - West Ham's Cole wants Hammers to sign Walker-Peters

The two-time England international has entered the final 12 months of his contract and has reportedly not held any positive talks over a new deal.

TalkSport are reporting that Saints have asked West Ham for £10million plus Flynn Downes in exchange for Walker-Peters.

The Daily Echo understands Downes is keen on the move after his excellent season on loan at Southampton last season.

Walker-Peters played all but three games in the Championship last season as Southampton won promotion via the playoffs.

West Ham are in need of another right-back following Ben Johnson's decision to join Ipswich Town on a free transfer.

Kyle Walker-Peters is in the final 12 months of his Saints contractKyle Walker-Peters is in the final 12 months of his Saints contract (Image: Stuart Martin)