Sheffield United have seen a £7m approach for Will Smallbone knocked back by Southampton.
The newly-promoted Blades are lining up midfield reinforcements of their own with Sander Berge closing in on a move to Burnley.
And Irishman Smallbone, 23, is one of the players they have targeted and talks are continuing between the clubs after Sheffield United saw their opening offer rejected.
Smallbone is a product of Southampton's academy and spent last season on loan at Stoke.
He returned to Southampton this summer, shone in pre-season and continued his form into their Championship opener at Sheffield Wednesday.