Southampton in talks to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Mateus Fernandes in £16m deal as Russell Martin’s side look to continue to add to their squad upon return to the Premier League

Southampton are in talks with Sporting Lisbon to sign midfielder Mateus Fernandes, 20, for a fee worth up to £16million.

The Saints got their Premier League camapign underway on Saturday afternoon following promotion back to the top flight last season, but lost 1-0 against Newcastle.

Despite being down to 10 men for the majority of the match, the Magpies impressed and stood firm against a dominant Saints side to take the three points.

It was a disappointing afternoon for Russell Martin’s side, but there may be better days on the horizon in the form of the new signing to help things.

Billed as a player for the future, Fernandes may also be the now, having made 10 appearances in total for the Portuguese club, including in their 3-1 win in their league opener against Rio Ave last week.

Russell Martin is keen to add to his side following defeat in their first game of the new season

Fernandes has likely played his last game for Sporting after being left out of their latest squad

 On Saturday, however, Sporting beat Nacional 6-1 and Fernandes was not in the squad, with manager Ruben Amorim addressing his future after.

‘He’s leaving, it’s true,’ Amorim said after the game, though he did not name any potential clubs for where he could end up.

If he moves to Saints, Fernandes will be competing with the likes of Will Smallbone, Joe Aribo and Flynn Downes for a starting spot.

Fernandes, who has also on occasion played on the left of midfield, spent last season on loan with Estoril, in Portugal, making 28 apearances and scoring one goal.