SAINTS are progressing in talks to permanently sign Villarreal forward Ben Brereton Diaz, the Daily Echo understands.
The English-born Chile international's future in Spain is nearing an end after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield United.
Brereton Diaz scored six times in 14 Premier League appearances for the Blades but was unable to help them avoid relegation to the Championship.
Southampton are in the market for a new forward and winger having lost Che Adams, David Brooks and Ryan Fraser this summer.
As first reported by Spanish publication AS, Brereton Diaz is willing to sanction a return to England to join Southampton.
The former Blackburn Rovers forward has been training with Marcelino's squad during pre-season but is aware his future likely lies elsewhere.
Reports suggest Saints will pay a fee of around £7.25million for Brereton Diaz, who is ready to travel to the UK and sign a four-year deal.
The 25 year old joined Villarreal last summer following the expiration of his Rovers contract but struggled for early La Liga form.
He failed to score in his first 20 games for the Yellow Submarine before returning to England with Sheffield United.
Brereton Diaz has previously played alongside Southampton forward Adam Armstrong and defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis at Blackburn.
He scored 47 in 177 appearances for the former Premier League winners, 36 of those coming in his last two campaigns at Ewood Park.
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