Stoke City's chances of signing Sam Gallagher appear to be unlikely, according to the latest reports.

The Sun on Sunday, relayed via journalist Alan Nixon, are reporting that Southampton want to keep Gallagher as a back-up option rather than loan him out to Stoke.

Gallagher has not even made the bench for Southampton this season, with Danny Ings, Charlie Austin, Manolo Gabbiadini and Shane Long the preferred options for Mark Hughes.

But the Saints are still reluctant to let the 22-year-old leave on loan, as his 6ft 4in frame adds a different dimension.

Gallagher scored seven goals in 34 games for Birmingham City last season during a loan spell at St Andrew's and he netted 12 goals in 47 appearances for Blackburn Rovers the year before.

The former England under-20 international has been a Championship target but Stoke look set to miss out on him.

The Verdict

Despite this being a blow as they have not landed their target, did Stoke really need Gallagher?

They already have a host of strikers on their books, such as Benik Afobe, Peter Crouch, Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting, Saido Berahino and Mame Biram Diouf.

Plus, Gallagher did not exactly set the world alight at Birmingham and there are better options out there.

Stoke fans - What do you make of this? Let us know below...