Speaking to Give Me Sport, journalist Alex Crook of talkSPORT has made a transfer claim involving Southampton as they eye a permanent deal for Chelsea loanee Armando Broja.

The Lowdown: Saints bid mooted...

Over the January window, some reliable sources claimed that CEO and transfer chief Martin Semmens was plotting a bid to sign Broja permanently near the end of last month.

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Indeed, according to noted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Southampton were preparing an offer for the Albania international who has really impressed on his temporary St. Mary's stint.

However, while that did not appear to come to fruition, talkSPORT reporter Crook has made an interesting claim on potential talks in the next two months.

The Latest: talkSPORT reporter makes claim...

Speaking to GMS, the reporter claims talks could 'really' accelerate 'come the end of February, middle of March' if Ralph Hasenhuttl's side are well clear of the drop zone by that point.

“If come the end of February, middle of March, Saints are safe from relegation, then talks will really ramp up.” he explained.

The Verdict: Get it done...

Signing the 20-year-old indefinitely should come as one of Semmens' top summer priorities alongside the possible addition of soon-to-be free agent Sam Johnstone between the sticks.

Broja's brilliance was perhaps best summed up by his instinctive near post finish in Southampton's 3-2 victory away to Spurs on Wednesday evening and highlights just how crucial of a presence he is going forward.

A imposing physical striker at 6 foot 3, the Saints attacker will arguably only get better and the south coast side must do all they can to keep him for Hasenhutll, especially since Chelsea reportedly value him at around £20 million.

Sky pundit Micah Richards is a fan, calling him 'quality' recently (via football.london), and Semmens would be remiss if he didn't make a serious effort.

In other news: Journalist: Southampton now in hunt to sign 'unbelievable' £20m man who's 'making headlines', find out more here.