Southampton have rejected interest from several potential suitors for the loan signing of Sam Gallagher

The striker is the subject of intense interest from a plethora of Championship sides, but looks to be staying at St Mary’s past tonight’s deadline, according to the Daily Mail.

A range of clubs from the second tier had expressed their feelings to want to bring the 23-year-old to their club.

But Ralph Hasenhuttl is not looking to sanction any such move.

Hull City, Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Millwall are the quartet of Championship clubs keen on the forward who has seen game time at his parent club increase in recent weeks.

Gallagher’s presence in the first-team has been more regular in the last few weeks, featuring as a late substitute against Leicester City in the Premier League as well as playing in the FA Cup third round replay with Derby.

The striker has had successful loan spells in the past but under the club’s new manager, he may finally get a sustained crack at making it into the first team.

And that looks even more likely now that interest from a host of clubs has been dismissed.

The verdict

Gallagher is no stranger to Championship football and has a pretty good record in it, too.

So, it is no surprise that teams are looking to secure a loan deal, and it’s four sides you would imagine need a striker heading into the business end to the season.

Having been loaned out so much before, now could be the time for the 23-year-old to make his mark on the Saints side and finally get a crack at his parent club.

It is a blow to the four teams who were after him, as they will all now need to look elsewhere to snap up a deadline day deal.