Report: Stoke City to bid £7m for Southampton's Sam Gallagher

Southampton striker Sam Gallagher is a £7m target for Stoke City manager Gary Rowett, according to a report.

The Saints are believed to be looking to sell the 22-year-old, rather than loan him out, in order to fund a move for Liverpool's Danny Ings.

Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers have both entertained signing the ex-England Under-20s international until the end of the season, but The Sun suggests that fellow second-tier side Stoke will step forward with a permanent offer.

Gallagher has spent successive campaigns out on loan with MK Dons, Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City, scoring seven times in 34 appearances for the latter last season.

Stoke are expected to kickstart a spending spree by bringing in James McClean from West Bromwich Albion in the coming days.