Could Southampton be about to sign a very talented young midfielder from France?

According to a report from French publication Le Parisien, Southampton have joined the race to sign Marseille midfielder Giannelli Imbula.

The 22-year-old has a contract with the Ligue 1 side until the summer of 2018 but that has not stopped rumours circulating regarding the player’s future.

Just two days ago London 24 reported claims from television station Sky Italia that both Tottenham and Arsenal had sounded out Imbula’s father about a potential move to the Premier League, with a fee in the region of £13million potentially enough to seal the deal.

But now Le Parisien reports that Southampton are also interested in a player who has a big reputation in his homeland.

What could Southampton’s alleged interest mean for the club?

At first glance Southampton have plenty of cover in defensive midfield with both Victor Wanyama and Morgan Schneiderlin on their books. So could their alleged interest in Imbula suggest changes are afoot at St Mary’s?

That is yet to be seen but Southampton would be unlikely to spend so much money on a talented player and then only give him limited chances.

Saints manager Ronald Koeman will want to strengthen to ensure last season was a sign of things to come rather than a one off, but if Imbula does arrive it could signal the end of Schneiderlin’s time there, while also potentially being quite a coup given Arsenal and Tottenham’s alleged interest.

In other news, Marcelo Bielsa explains why Leeds United regular was missing yesterday