IT looks likely that former Saints manager Ronald Koeman will raid St Mary's for unwanted defender Cuco Martina.

As has been reported by the Daily Echo, right-back Martina is not wanted by Claude Puel, leaving the door open for the 26-year-old to move on in the transfer window this summer.

The French manager, who replaced Koeman in charge at Saints, has signed Jeremy Pied as back-up for Cedric Soares, leaving Martina surplus to requirements.

The Curacao international was brought in for £1m from Dutch side FC Twente last summer to bolster Saints’ defensive options after Ryan Bertrand was ruled out with injury.

Despite his status as a squad player, Martina was used far more than originally expected, often preferred to Cedric by Koeman on the right side of defence, with the Portuguese international struggling to adapt to the Premier League in his debut season.

Martina, who made 18 appearances last term, even netted the club’s goal of the season with that swerving beauty of a strike in the 4-0 Boxing Day win over Arsenal.

But he finds himself without a place at St Mary's and has been left out of both the squad for the Watford and Manchester United matches.

He is not thought to fit in with the style of play Puel demands of his full backs.

It is now being reported, by both the Liverpool Echo and the BBC, that Martina is now closing in on a switch to Goodison Park for a reunion with Koeman.

The Dutch boss is interested in signing a right-back to provide competition for Seamus Coleman and the Liverpool Echo suggest that advanced talks are being held.