​Southampton look set to resolve their issues in the centre-back position with the loan signing of QPR defender Steven Caulker.





Ronald Koeman has found himself short of centre-backs after the Saints failed to sign Toby Alderweireld on a permanent deal, with the Belgian joining Tottenham Hotspur. Meanwhile Florin Gardos has recently been ruled out for over six months with a knee injury, forcing Southampton to move quickly in order to find defensive cover.













Caulker, 23, is looking to return to the Premier League after being relegated for the second consecutive season, and may see Southampton as the place to really kick start his career in the top flight.





QPR would prefer to sell the young defender permanently rather than loan him out, but the south coast club are keen on bringing Caulker in on a loan move initially with a future fee option of around £8m.





Reports suggest that Southampton want to conclude the deal for Caulker before they take on Vittese Arnham in Thursday nights Europa League clash at St Mary's.





Ronald Koeman is still interested in Celtic's Virgil Van Dijk, regardless of a deal for Caulker, and could step up his interest in the Dutch defender with Jose Fonte and Maya Yoshida the only fit first team centre-backs at the club.







