Southampton are hopeful of concluding a deal to sign Feyenoord captain Jordy Clasie, a source has told ESPN FC.
Saints boss Ronald Koeman worked with Clasie when he was Feyenoord manager and has identified the 24-year-old Netherlands international as his first choice to replace Morgan Schneiderlin, who joined Manchester United on Monday.
Claise has been on the books at Feyenoord since the age of nine and found his feet in their first team under the guidance of Koeman during the 2011-12 Eredevise, making his mark with inventive midfield contributions.
His diminutive stature has led some observers to hail Claise as "the Dutch Xavi" in a favourable comparison to the Spanish World Cup winner, with the 5-foot-6 midfielder emerging as a real star at Feyenoord in recent years having also made his way into the Dutch national team.
Clasie's agent Weeze Berg told Fox Sports that a move to Southampton was a firm possibility as talks continue between the clubs, saying: "The relationship between the coach [Koeman] and Jordy is very strong. The coach has also stated that he would like to see Jordy come to them."
Koeman is keen to wrap up the transfer of Claise quickly as he wants to integrate him into his squad during the club's preseason games.
The Saints coach had previously said of Clasie: "[He] is one of the players on the list what we have to replace Morgan Schneiderlin.
"He's a good player, a young player and a Dutch international who is ready to make a step up and show his qualities at a higher level than we have in the Dutch league.
"He's growing in his leadership qualities too and, if Morgan goes, we'll need a player in that position."
If a deal is concluded swiftly, Clasie could make his Saints debut in Saturday's game against FC Groningen in his homeland.