SAINTS star Adam Lallana has been linked with a move to a second Premier League side.

A report in a national newspaper says Stoke City - where a number of ex-Saints already play - are keeping tabs on the 22-year-old.

It comes after speculation linking him with a £3m move to Birmingham City, appeared last week.

However, Nigel Adkins made it clear Lallana would not be swapping St. Mary's for St. Andrews, as well as saying he hopes for more speculation about his players, as it would mean they were performing well and attracting attention for the right reasons.

The midfielder's contract is up at the end of the season, with Saints yet to make any announcement on a new deal.

The fan's favourite is likely to attract much more attention, after scoring 20 goals last season and for being a key creative force in Adkin's squad.

Saints are unlikely to want to let Lallana go anywhere, such is his importance in this season's promotion bid.