According to journalist Tom Hopkinson of The Daily Mirror, it appears Southampton have now entered the race for electric right-back Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Saints being backed?

At the start of January, a new era began on the south coast with Serbian-born businessman Dragan Solak and Sport Republic completing a £100 million takeover of the club.

Despite still not quite possessing the illustrious wealth of some Premier League clubs, reports indicate that Southampton's new majority owners are indeed backing manager Ralph Hasenhuttl and transfer chief Martin Semmens.

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano recently lifted the lid on Southampton's willingness to table a record £25 million bid to sign Armando Broja on a permanent deal from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, football.london correspondent Adam Newson later broke news of further talks as the Saints entered negotiations for another Blues starlet in Tino Anjorin.

Now, Hopkinson of The Mirror has shared news on another target for the club.

The Latest: Saints eyeing Spence move...

According to his sources, Southampton are eyeing a move for Middlesborough starlet Spence amid his brilliant loan spell at Nottingham Forest.

Hasenhuttl's side have allegedly joined a queue of clubs who want to sign the 21-year-old with Tottenham, Roma and Arsenal also keen.

However, Spurs are apparently confident they can land him ahead of the Saints and other interested parties.

The Verdict: Exciting player...

The homegrown ace is, arguably, one of the most promising defenders in English football right now and would be a major coup for Southampton if they decide to try and beat Spurs to his signature.

Spence is a constant threat from out wide, as proven by the fact he has averaged more successful take-ons per match (1.7) than any Forest regular with more than three Championship starts (WhoScored).

The marauding wing-back has attracted plenty of Premier League attention for his form, with Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff believing that he is already a 'massive player' at such a young age and may well continue to be in Forest's push for promotion.

The Daily Express claim Spence could cost around £15 million, but going by his exploits this season, it seems like a worthwhile potential investment.

In other news: Southampton could also make last minute move to sign 'world class' international, find out more here.