SOUTHAMPTON have triggered the £26m release clause of Braga striker Vitinha.
The 22-year-old has been in fine form in the Portugal top flight so far this season, scoring 13 goals in 27 games in all competitions.
Vitinha has also shone in the Europa League for Braga, scoring four and assisting once in five matches despite crashing out of the group stages.
And SunSport understands the goal-shy Saints are ready to splash the cash in order to bring the Portuguese Under-21 international to St Mary’s before Tuesday's deadline.
A bid has also been lodged for Lyon’s Moussa Dembele, who is out of contract in the summer, as a fall-back for the Vitinha deal.
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Dembele, the former Celtic and Fulham striker would likely cost no more than £3m, with this window being the last chance for the Ligue Un club to receive any sort of fee.
New Southampton boss Nathan Jones has been desperate to find a focal point up top to improve on their 17 goals in 20 Premier League games thus far.
Che Adams is the top scorer in all competitions with just eight strikes, while Ward-Prowse has seven as Southampton sit bottom of the Prem.
The Saints have strengthened with three signings this month including £12m Carlos Alcaraz.
Mislav Orsic and James Bree have also arrived from Dinamo Zagreb and Luton Town respectively.
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Meanwhile, Jones has ruled out Adams leaving, with the striker linked to Everton.
Asked whether he would sanction a move, Jones said: "No, let's be honest. That's not going to happen."