Southampton are set to miss out on signing striker Armando Broja from Chelsea again this summer, with West Ham United close to wrapping up a deal for the player.

What's the latest?

According to journalist David Orstnein, Broja is moving closer to a move to the London Stadium this summer.

He said: "West Ham close to agreement with Chelsea for Armando Broja. Currently working towards permanent. Personal terms in place but contract length undetermined."

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at St Mary's Stadium and Southampton had hoped they would be able to his services again, but it's looking increasingly likely he will move to the Hammers.

With European football on offer at the London Stadium, it always looked like the more attractive option, and it seems his time on the south coast over the last year hasn't been enough for him to want to stay.

Supporters will be gutted

The news will leave Saints supporters gutted as he contributed a lot to their success last season, being directly involved in ten goals in 38 appearances in all competitions.

He also impressed in several other areas, showing his presence in the air, ranking in the top 11% for aerials won when compared to positional peers in the Premier League last season.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl will have to look elsewhere for those goals now, and with time running out until the new campaign begins, they're in a race to sign a new striker.

The club has recently been linked with a bargain move for Lyon forward Moussa Dembele who could be available for £10m and VfB Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic. They are definitely searching, but it might be hard to find someone as proven in the Premier League as Broja.

Ultimately, he will be a huge miss for the Saints, but even if he stayed for one more season, given his talent he would have likely left eventually so maybe it's best that the club isn't relying on a loanee for too long.

AND in other news: Saints eyeing deal to sign “lanky” 36-goal machine, he can be Ralph's own Ibrahimovic...