The club are monitoring the Portimonense striker as they ready themselves for a busy January

Southampton are readying a £15million move for Portimonense striker Shoya Nakajima, according to reports in Portugal.

Nakajima, 24, has bagged four goals in eight appearances so far this season in the Portuguese top flight and is the subject of strong interest from across Europe.

1 Japan international Shoya Nakajima in action

Clubs in Italy are reportedly monitoring the striker’s progress, while Leicester City were keeping a close eye on him during the summer.

The Foxes were even reported to have made a £20million offer for the Japanese forward back in August, but it appears their interest has since cooled.

Southampton remain in the hunt though and, according to Record, the Saints are readying a £15million offer for the in-demand forward ahead of the January window.

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Mark Hughes is keen to add attacking reinforcements to his squad following a disappointing start to the season.

Nakajima could well prove to be Southampton’s missing link as Hughes explores all avenues in an attempt to pull his team clear of trouble.