Saints turn to England international

Southampton have reportedly switched their attentions towards signing Queens Park Rangers defender Steven Caulker.

After reportedly failing to land former defender Calum Chambers on a season-long loan from Arsenal earlier this summer, boss Ronald Koeman has made the QPR centre-half his next priority.

Caulker, who only arrived at Loftus Road from Cardiff City last summer, scored one goal in 35 Premier League appearances for Chris Ramsey’s side as they slipped out of the English top-flight last season.

It is understood that Saints are trying to negotiate an initial loan deal for the once capped England international, with a view to a permanent £8m transfer next summer.

After losing number one target Toby Alderweireld to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer and Romanian defender Florin Gardos to a long-term injury last week, Southampton are also keen on Celtic’s £10m-rated Virgil van Dijk.