As per Hampshire Live, Southampton are interested in signing defender Leo Hjelde.

Southampton eye Hjelde

Southampton are said to be interested in signing 17-year-old Hjelde, who currently plays for Ross County in Scotland, on loan from Celtic.

Ralph Hasenhuttl stated last week that the Saints will have to be clever in the transfer market and will therefore be looking to sign players for under £10m rather than for £20m or £30m. Hjelde, therefore, is a realistic target given his inexperience.

Van Dijk successor?

Hjelde is currently on loan at Ross County, where he has made nine appearances since making the move from the Bhoys in January (Transfermarkt). Ross County manager John Hughes recently told the BBC that the teenager is the next Virgil van Dijk - high praise indeed and comments that have only led to increased interest in the Norwegian.

Whether Hjelde is comparable to the £63m-valued Liverpool star (Transfermarkt) is up for debate, but it is clear the centre-back has plenty of ability, with Hughes hailing him as 'absolutely fantastic'.

As Hasenhuttl and co look to play their cards right, Hjelde could be a realistic option for them in the transfer market. The Saints have a good working relationship with Celtic, with several players moving in both directions in recent seasons. They may be able to make use of that partnership to secure this signing.

In other news, Southampton fans slammed this man against West Brom.