SAINTS are close to confirming the season-long loan for West Ham United attacker Maxwel Cornet, 27.

Versatile winger Cornet can play on either side of a front three, offering Saints manager Russell Martin a different option up front.

The Ivory Coast international has only made 37 appearances in all competitions across two seasons for the Hammers due to injury.

Saints hope he will add power and pace to the attack, although he will take a couple of weeks to get up to full speed with his fitness. 

Cornet arrived in London permanently from Burnley in 2022, where he scored nine goals in 26 Premier League matches during his sole season at Turf Moor.

Cornet scored twice in a 2-2 draw with Saints for Burnley in October 2021. He has netted six goals in 31 appearances for Ivory Coast.

The former Lyon and FC Metz man's only goal in the Premier League last season came in a draw with eventual bottom-place finishers Sheffield United.

Saints have until 11pm on Friday to register players ahead of the summer window deadline, with a deal for Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale already announced.