STOKE City are hoping to tie up a three-month loan deal for Saints striker Kenwyne Jones.
The Championship side, managed by former Portsmouth boss Tony Pulis, are optimistic of landing the Trinidad and Tobago international until the end of the season when he returns from international duty at the weekend.
Jones, 20. scored an incredible seven goals in seven games during a month on loan at League One Sheffield Wednesday.
He was handed his first senior start for Saints in the 2-1 defeat at Birmingham after sub appearances in wins over Liverpool and Portsmouth.
However, he was taken off at half-time at St Andrew's and Stoke are now stepping up their interest with Harry Redknapp already having said that, if Jones went out on loan again, it would be to a Championship side to see if he can make another step up.
Pulis, who is hoping Jones will link up with his side on Monday, said: "We are offering him the chance to see if he can do it at the next level up.
"He obviously had a great time at Wednesday and I'm told he's capable of anything.
"He's a big lad, good in the air and clearly knows where the back of the net is.
"We don't want to put any pressure on him, because he's still raw, but this is clearly a useful opportunity to see if he's worth pursuing in the future."
Speaking before Jones's debut against Birmingham, Redknapp said: "Kenwyne Jones looks to me like he could be something special.
"He's raw, he's big, he's quick, good in the air - he could be a talent.
"Getting him out on loan did him the world of good.
"He went out and did the job and showed what he can do. We brought him back down and forced his way into our squad and could prove to be a player. He's got a chance.
"He's very laid back and isn't too affected by it all."
Stoke are 13th in the Championship, eight points off of a play-off place.
Remarkably, they have only scored 19 goals in 31 games - the worst in the section - but have only conceded 22, again the best in the Championship.