Southampton were reported to have made a bid for Sampdoria defender Omar Colley during the summer transfer window and they look to have now been handed a boost in their potential hopes of signing the centre-back in January, with the Serie A side now reportedly open to selling him.

It was suggested during the summer that the Saints were planning to bid €15 million (£13.4 million) for the Gambian defender but a move to the South Coast club never materialised.

However, Calcionews24 have now suggested that Blucerchiati are now open to selling the defender, as he has been relegated to the bench in recent weeks.

The 28-year-old has made just two appearances in Serie A so far this season, in which he put in mixed displays, earning a disappointing 6.05 rating in the 3-0 defeat against Juventus, whilst a goal in a 3-2 defeat against Benevento earned him a much more impressive 7.41 rating (per WhoScored).

Southampton's centre-backs have been impressive so far this season, with Jan Vestergaard currently the club's third-best performer in the Premier League, having averaged a superb 7.29 rating (per WhoScored). The Dane's rejuvenation in recent weeks does make you wonder if Colley would still be a useful addition for Hasenhuttl.

Jan Bednarek has also impressed, having averaged a solid 6.84 rating across eight Premier League appearances, suggesting that it would be difficult for Colley to break up that current partnership.

While Jack Stephens has struggled at times this season, with the 26-year-old's 6.40 average rating from his four top-flight appearances perhaps something for Hasenhuttl to worry about, he provides able back-up, while the club are still yet to see a glimpse of summer buy Mohamed Salisu.

WhoScored suggests that Colley's strengths are aerial duels and interceptions, whilst he has no significant weaknesses, so perhaps he could be compared to former Saints man Virgil van Dijk, who has established himself as one of the world's best defenders since joining Liverpool for £75 million.

That said, having kept four Premier League clean sheets already this term, maybe the south coast outfit should have other priorities if they want to buy in January.