Southampton are trying to sign QPR defender Steven Caulker on loan with view to an £8million permanent deal.

Manager Ronald Koeman is also keen on £10m-rated Everton target Virgil van Dijk at Celtic as he looks to plug a defence which has been weakened by the departure of Toby Alderweireld and injury to Florin Gardos. Koeman was rebuffed in a bid to take Calum Chambers from Arsenal on loan.

Caulker, 23, is also wanted by West Brom. Manager Tony Pulis has re-opened talks with free agent Bakary Sako.

Southampton are interested in taking Steven Caulker on loan ahead of an £8m permanent move

The QPR centre back has also attracted interest from West Brom

The 27-year-old former Wolves winger hopes to agree a three year deal after revising his £60,000 a week wage demands.