Southampton are reportedly taking an interest in Brazilian midfielder Wellington, who is currently a free agent, and he could prove to be a strong addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl's side.

What's the word?

According to South American outlet UOL, via Sport Witness, the Saints have made an approach to sign the 29-year-old and it is expected that he and his agent will make a decision soon.

It is suggested that Southampton have been in contact with the player's entourage, although he is also attracting interest from Brazilian clubs Cruzeiro, Fluminense and Grêmio.

Walcott repeat?

Under Hasenhuttl, Southampton have had a very set transfer structure of bringing in young players who can be moulded to fit the Austrian's style of play, as we have seen with the likes of Mohammed Salisu, Kyle Walker-Peters and Ibrahima Diallo being brought in during the most recent transfer window.

However, the South Coast club bucked that trend when signing 31-year-old Theo Walcott on loan from Everton and that decision has certainly paid off, with the former Arsenal man having contributed two goals and two assists in 12 top-flight appearances for the Saints, averaging a solid 6.77 rating.

Therefore, whilst signing 29-year-old Wellington wouldn't really fit with their usual transfer philosophy, if he could have a similar impact to Walcott it would surely prove to be an excellent decision by Martin Semmens and the rest of the Southampton board.

During his career, the former Brazil U20 international has played 124 times for Sau Paulo and although he's never played outside of Brazil, he could add some experience in the Southampton midfield.

Hasenhuttl is perhaps lacking depth outside of James Ward-Prowse, Oriol Romeu and Diallo, with just 20-year-old Will Smallbone available as another central-midfielder in his squad, especially with Stuart Armstrong featuring more predominantly as a No.10.

Therefore, if Southampton can agree a deal for the 29-year-old, whilst also securing a work permit, then it could prove to be an excellent decision by the South Coast club from both a footballing and a financial perspective.

And, in other news, Hasenhuttl must consider transfer U-turn with 21 y/o with "a lot of potential" amid exit link...