By Martin Rowe
Saints striker Rickie Lambert is attracting interest from West Ham United and Championship side Leeds United as they seek to bolster their options in the winter transfer window.
West Ham United have already had a reported £5m bid rejected by Southampton but may be prepared to come back in with an improved offer.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has been a long-term admirer of the Saints talisman striker, and with Andy Carroll out until the beginning of February is keen to add to their attacking strength.
Leeds boss Neil Warnock has placed Lambert at the top of his wish list following a takeover from Dubai based group GFH.
He wants Lambert to take some weight off the shoulders of Argentine striker Luciano Becchio who has 19 goals in all competitions this season.
Lambert, 30, currently has eight goals in 20 Premier League games – And he is currently the second highest English goalscorer in the top flight this season.
Saints are not in action until Sunday this weekend when they have an FA Cup third round tie with Chelsea.