SAINTS manager Russell Martin revealed negotiations over Charly Alcaraz are '"ongoing" amid reported interest from Brazilian giants Flamengo.

Alcaraz, 21, has failed to nail down a regular place in Martin's starting team following a loan move to Juventus in the second half of last season.

The Daily Echo understands Saints are open to selling the Argentine youth international for the right price ahead of the transfer window closing next week.

Saints set Juve a buy option of £40million in January, which was not activated. His stock has reduced after playing less than 400 league minutes in Italy.

Asked for an update on Alcaraz, Martin told the Daily Echo: "I think it's ongoing. I think there's definitely interest there from a club.

"I don't deal with that side of it. Phil (Parsons), Rasmus (Ankersen) and the ownership group deal with all of that and then I'm informed once it gets close or is done.

"Then, I'll speak to Carlos about it. He's trained brilliantly. He's here and whilst he's here, he'll be available for selection.

"If it's a good fit for the club in terms of the finances involved and a good fit for Carlos, then he will go with everyone's best wishes.

"If he doesn't, he'll be here and he'll be our player - so I'm fairly relaxed about it," Martin insisted, ahead of the home match against Nottingham Forest.

Reports in Brazil have suggested a deal worth around 18 million Euros (£15million) and a player swap involving midfielder Victor Hugo, 20.

Hugo was reportedly a transfer target for Premier League Wolves in the last 12 months, with the Molineux side linked with bids worth up to £20million.

In addition to Flamengo, Alcaraz - who played 10 minutes in the Premier League opener at Newcastle United - has been linked to Italian outfit Lazio.