According to reports in The Sun, Southampton are showing an interest in Manchester City midfielder Aaron Mooy and the Citizens could be ready to use him as bait in a deal to sign in demand Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk this summer.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Saints centre-back is understood to be a target for the likes of City, Liverpool and Chelsea following some outstanding performances the back for the south coast outfit since moving to St Mary’s from Celtic in 2015.

The Dutchman will cost a world-record fee for a defender is he is to be prised away this summer, but that could price could be reduced if the Australia international is included in the deal.

However, newly-promoted clubs Brighton and Hove Albion and Huddersfield – where he spent last season on loan and helped them to their first ever promotion to the Premier League – are also interested.

How good was he last season?

Despite never starting a match for City, Mooy made 46 Championship appearances – including in all of the play-off games – for the Terriers and he was a key part of the side that secured a surprise promotion to the top flight.

The midfielder scored four goals and provided a further seven assists from the middle of the park, while he showed his defensive contribution too by winning 80 tackles and making 69 clearances.

Would he be a good signing for Southampton?

It’s difficult to say.

While Saints certainly look to need some midfield reinforcements this summer it seems unlikely that the Australian would be a first choice in midfield ahead of the likes of Oriol Romeu, Steven Davis and James Ward-Prowse.

That said, this term he has shown what a quality player he is and it could tempt the south coast outfit to give him an opportunity in the Premier League as part of a big-money deal that would see Van Dijk move to the Etihad.

What’s the verdict, then?

While they perhaps wouldn’t be interested in Mooy in a separate deal, the chance to get him as part of a deal that would see Van Dijk move to Man City plus cash could tempt Saints to deal with Pep Guardiola’s side rather than the likes of Chelsea or Liverpool.