Southampton transfer news: Saints set to make offer for Argentina's World Cup defender Marcos Rojo - reports

The Sporting Lisbon defender has been linked with a move to St Mary's after a strong showing at the World Cup

(Getty Images)

Southampton are hopeful that they can secure a deal to bring World Cup finalist Marcos Rojo to St Mary’s after reports suggested the club have made an offer for the Sporting Lisbon defender.

Rojo starred during Argentina’s run to the final, where they fell just short in their quest for a third World Cup triumph as they went down to Germany 1-0 courtesy of an extra-time strike from substitute Mario Gotze.

The 24-year-old has been with Sporting since joining from Spartak Moscow in 2012, and he went on to become a permanent figure in Argentina’s starting XI in Brazil where they fell just short of glory.

The news will lift Saints’ fans further after they secured Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand on a season-long loan, which ended the constant flow of players leaving the club for pastures new. While Rojo features predominantly at left-back, is more than adept at filling in in the centre, which would fill the void left by Dejan Lovren after the Croatian joined Liverpool.

Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Lovren were snapped up by the Reds for a combined fee of £49m, while Luke Shaw moved to Manchester United for £28m and Calum Chambers joined Arsenal in a £16m deal.

There could still be more pain to endure though, with reports that Morgan Schneiderlin is a transfer target for both Tottenham and Arsenal, with Spurs also in the hunt for England forward Jay Rodriguez.

Dani Osvaldo also looks to be on his way out of the club as he inches closer to a permanent move to Inter Milan. As part of the deal, Southampton are looking to take Sapher Taider, the Algerian international, on a season-long loan.

The midfielder has made 12 appearances for his country, scoring three goals along the way.