Southampton have held talks with Peterborough over the transfer of highly-rated defender Ronnie Edwards, talkSPORT understands.
Posh are willing to sell centre-back Edwards if their valuation, believed to be in excess of £10million, is met after losing in the League One play-off semi-finals.
The newly-promoted Saints are among a number of Premier League clubs showing an interest in the England U19 European Championship winner.
Edwards, 21, made his senior debut for Peterborough in 2020 and has featured a total of 142 times across all competitions.
Despite their Championship relegation in the 2021/22 campaign, the centre-back was named their Player of the Season.
He has since become a regular starter for the side but could be set for Premier League football beyond the summer.
Southampton are getting ready to compete in the top tier again following their instant return after beating Leeds in the Championship play-off final.
Russell Martin’s side finished fourth in the table before defeating West Brom en route to their promotion success at Wembley in May.
It triggered the permanent signing of centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Manchester City in a £20m deal after his initial loan.
Southampton have also welcomed Adam Lallana back to the club on a one-year deal following a decade away at Liverpool and Brighton.
Martin’s side join the top-flight next season with Leicester City and Ipswich Town, with both sides also already strengthening.
Leicester completed the permanent signing of Abdul Fatawu and Jamie Vardy signed a new deal, with Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna agreeing a new contract until 2028.
Southampton face a tough return to the Premier League in August as they travel to Newcastle on the opening weekend.
Their first home match sees them host Nottingham Forest, with Brentford, Manchester United and fellow arrivals Ipswich Town their following opponents in the first five fixtures.
News Summary:
- Southampton hold talks with Peterborough for highly-rated starlet
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