Southampton are tracking Celtic star Liel Abada, according to a report.

The Premier League outfit are watching the winger's situation closely, with the January transfer window fast approaching.

The Daily Record say that Saints are on the transfer trail of the Israeli. 

However, their report also states that Celtic are ready to enter contract talks with the player to fend off any immediate interest in the attacker. 

It's said that these discussions would likely occur during the New Year.

Abada is already on a long-term contract until the summer of 2026. 

However, after impressing since joining in Ange Postecoglou's first few months, new terms would be offered to the 21-year-old as a reward.

Southampton have seemingly built up an extensive scouting profile on the wide man.

Should they make a move for Abada, it would be their latest signing target from Glasgow's east end, having signed many Celtic players over the last decade.

They have previously snapped up Victor Wanyama, Fraser Forster, Stuart Armstrong and Virgil van Dijk from the Hoops.

READ MORE: 'Not a shock' - Hart on 'honest' Postecoglou Celtic disappointment

The report states that Saints aren't the only Premier League team who are likely to be interested in the player who cost £3million from Maccabi Petah Tikva in 2021.

Abada has become a key figure in Postecoglou's system and already has nine goals and four assists to his name thie season.

That is on top of the 15 goals and 11 assists he notched last term.

Postecoglou has already signed Alastair Johnston and Yuki Kobayash ahead of the January window and has hinted that a third addition isn't far away from completion.

Any more business could be determined by who leaves the club, with both Josip Juranovic and Giorgos Giakoumakis set to head out the door.

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