According to Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Sport Witness), Southampton have made contact to sign Nuno Tavares and are still in with a chance of securing the services of the left-back.

The Lowdown: Tavares appeared close to Napoli move

Tavares, who currently plays for Benfica in the Portuguese top flight, appeared to be closing in on a move to Serie A outfit Napoli.

The fee is said to be €15m (£12.9m) but, while the two clubs are coming to terms on an agreement, the negotiations have not been particularly easy.

The Latest: Saints still in the hunt

This latest report has revealed that the Saints are still in the hunt to sign the 21-year-old.

Napoli remain in pole position for his signature, but Southampton have contacted Benfica and remain in with a shout.

The Verdict: Exciting talent

Benfica have earned a reputation of churning out top talents in recent years, and Tavares is another exciting player. Even at his tender age, he has made 41 appearances for his club, scoring once and providing seven assists (Transfermarkt). Indeed, his performances have even attracted interest from Manchester United in the past (Gazzetta dello Sport via talkSPORT).

With Ryan Bertrand leaving St Mary's this summer (southamptonfc.com), Ralph Hasenhuttl needs to bring in a new player for the left side of his defence. In Tavares, he would be signing someone who has many years left ahead of him for a relatively competitive fee, and it would seem a real coup if they can gazump European regulars Napoli to sign him.

In other news, Southampton eye this England international.