Southampton have reportedly stepped up their attempts to sign former Rangers captain Steven Davis after the midfielder walked out on the financially stricken club.

The newly-promoted Premier League side were speculated to be pondering a £2m bid for the 27-year-old before Davis rejected the transfer of his contract to Charles Green's newco at Ibrox.

Now that the playmaker is effectively a free agent, the Saints have become the favourites to sign the former Gers skipper, according to the Daily Star.

Meanwhile, reports have claimed that Southampton boss Nigel Adkins has had a £6m bid for goalkeeper Jack Butland rebuffed from Birmingham City.