Southampton should solve their search for a new central defender by signing Chelsea outcast Ethan Ampadu, according to Carlton Palmer.

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhüttl is looking to bolster his backline after seeing Denmark international Jannik Vestergaard, who had entered the final 12 months of his contract at St Mary's, complete a £15million move to Premier League rivals Leicester City last week.

Ampadu, who made three appearances for Wales at Euro 2020, is a defender HampshireLive think Southampton could consider if he is made available for transfer.

The 20-year-old has been frozen out of the Chelsea squad and was made to settle for action in a 13-0 mauling of non-league Weymouth instead of being included in Thomas Tuchel's side on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

Ampadu spent last season on loan with Sheffield United and made 29 appearances as he was unable to halt the Blades' drop into the Championship.

Despite suffering relegation last term, ex-Southampton midfielder Palmer reckons Ampadu would be a good signing for Saints.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: "He is an option. Obviously, he'll want to get first-team football and that could be his opportunity.

"He might look at the situation and ask where is he going to play in the Premier League week in, week out? Southampton is a very good option for him. He needs to go and play."