Southampton have withdrawn midfielder Tyler Dibling from full contact training as talks over a potential move to Premier League Everton progress.
The 19-year-old England Under-21 international has been the subject of three offers from the Toffees this summer, including a recent bid of £40m plus £5m in add-ons.
They have all been rejected by Saints, who are preparing for their Championship opener at home to Wrexham on Saturday after their relegation from the top flight last season.
However, talks between the clubs are advancing and there is a sense a deal for Dibling can be reached.