Southampton are closing on the signing of Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong after a fee was reportedly agreed with the Championship side this week, a development which will surely delight Saints fans.

What's the word?

Southampton have been heavily linked with Armstrong throughout the transfer window and it seems as if the shock departure of Danny Ings earlier this month has finally encouraged them to meet Blackburn's demands.

Despite the 24-year-old's contract at Ewood Park being set to expire at the end of this season, it is reported that the Saints will pay £15m to sign him this summer, with The Athletic's Dan Sheldon suggesting that, with personal terms agreed, the former Newcastle United marksman will complete a medical today ahead of his permanent move and will join on a four-year deal.

Will Armstrong be a good signing?

If Armstrong can replicate his form from recent seasons with Blackburn, then he will surely prove to be a huge success in Ralph Hasenhuttl's side.

Whilst he has big boots to fill after Ings' departure, he and Adams could form an excellent partnership up front, with the likes of Armando Broja and Nathan Tella also providing competition in attack.

Last season saw Armstrong contribute a monumental haul of 28 goals and five assists in 40 Championship appearances, averaging a superb 7.15 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Although he has made just 15 appearances in the Premier League in his career, the striker's performances last season suggest that he is ready to make a more lasting step up to the top flight, and there seems little to suggest that he won't be a consistent goalscorer for the Saints over the next few seasons.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

Southampton fans may need to give him time to settle into his new surroundings and adjust to the higher demands of the Premier League, but they will surely be delighted that the club has worked so quickly to bring in Armstrong and Broja as replacements for Ings ahead of their opening Premier League fixture against Everton this weekend.

In other news... Southampton can sign their next Pelle in £15.3m-rated beast hailed by Thierry Henry