Southampton moving for Atalanta and Denmark star Joakim Maehle is unlikely to happen, says former Saints midfielder Carlton Palmer.

Maehle impressed at the Euros for Denmark, with the full-back managing to score a couple of goals as his country made it to the semi-finals of the competition.

He is now being linked with a move away from the Gewiss Stadium and Southampton are one side who are thought to be interested in his services.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Saints have already made an approach to sign the player, who Atalanta value at €28m (£24m).

Based on the 24-year-old's performances at the Euros, he looks like he could be a good signing. However, at that price, it is a deal Palmer cannot see happening.

"I think it's very unlikely," the ex-Southampton player told FFC in an exclusive interview. "History says that they're not spending that type of money.

"Southampton have relied heavily over the years on the fact that they've got a fantastic youth set-up and the conveyor belt of bringing players through, because they've just not been in the market to spend that type of money."

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has made it clear in the past that he is likely to target players around the £10m mark this summer, so a move for Maehle does look unlikely.