Over the last few years, Sam Gallagher has played most of his football out on loan at Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and MK Dons.

And according to Sun journalist Alex Nixon, a return to Ewood Park could now be on the cards this summer if the Championship club can manage to get the funds together.

Based on that and the Lancashire Telegraph talking about a £5m price tag last month, every indication is that any potential move will be a permanent one, which is exactly what Gallagher needs.

The English centre-forward, simply put, probably does not have a future at Southampton as Ralph Hasenhuttl continues to rebuild his attack.

Following the arrival of Moussa Djenepo, the south coast club have since turned their attention to Birmingham's Che Adams (also per The Sun), and his arrival or one of another striker would surely make life at St. Mary's even more difficult for Gallagher.

The former England U20 international only made four appearances in the Premier League last season. Competing against the likes of Adams and Danny Ings if he can stay fit, you would not expect that number to drastically improve.

Turning 24 in September, Gallagher is at an age where he really needs to be playing regularly if he wants to get anywhere, something he has a better chance of doing at Blackburn or another team in the Championship.

Furthermore, now is arguably a good time for the Southampton academy graduate to leave for good in a quest for more minutes and some stability in his career.

Southampton fans, is it time for Gallagher to move on? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!