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Ronald Koeman has joined the £10million chase for Hull defender James Chester.

Saints boss Koeman has targeted two new centre-backs as priority signings after missing out to Tottenham Toby Alderweireld and losing Florin Gardos for seven months with a knee injury.

Belgian international Alderweireld, 26, opted for an £11.2million switch to Spurs from Atletico Madrid ahead of joining the south coast outfit on a permanent deal following a successful season on loan at St Mary’s.

Romania ace Gardos, 26, won’t play again until February after being crocked in Thursday’s 3-0 pre-season friendly win over Feyenoord.

That leaves Koeman with Jose Fonte and Maya Yoshida as his only fit and experienced central defenders going into the new campaign.

(Image: Getty)

Southampton have also sold England right-back Nathaniel Clyne to Liverpool this summer, replacing him with Sporting Lisbon's Cedric Soares.

Chester has forced his way on to Koeman’s wish list after delivering a string of impressive performances for the Tigers last term, which earned him a Wales call-up.

Hull chief Steve Bruce is resigned to losing a string of his top stars following the Yorkshire side’s relegation to the Championship - and Chester is already a prime target for a host of top-flight predators.

The Warrington-born defender, who can also operate at right-back, was a £300,000 snip from Manchester United four years ago.

(Image: John Peters)

But his valuation has soared after two impressive seasons in the top flight, and Saints have Everton, Aston Villa, Newcastle, West Brom and Crystal Palace as rivals for his signature.

Chester, who has a year left on contract at the KC Stadium, is eager to continue plying his trade in the Premier League.

And Hull are happy to cash in if their asking price is met.