Saints have been linked with a summer move for promising Australian defender Trent Sainsbury.

The 21-year-old centre half has taken Australia’s A-League by storm in what is his first full season and is widely tipped to make his international debut in June.

Reports from Down Under suggest that Saints have extensively scouted Sainsbury over the past few months, while other European clubs such as FC Basel and Roda JC have already gone one step further and invited him for a trial.

Sainsbury still has a year to run on his contract, so would need a reasonable fee to sign, but is expected to depart for Europe in the summer.

Before that he will represent Central Coast Mariners at the A-League grand final and is believed to wish to remain at the club until after the Asian Champions League group stages.

Mariners coach Graham Arnold made reference to the interest in Sainsbury and fellow youngsters Mat Ryan and Bernie Ibini.

“There has been a lot of interest in all three players so I know there’s always the chance of something happening,” he said.

“We will have to wait and see."

Saints have previously had links with Australia, formerly having an academy in Oz and retaining links with former player John Sydenham who still resides in the country.

The last Australian to play for Saints was Scott McDonald, who was brought over to England as a trainee having been spotted playing for Cranbourne Co