Argentina defender, Marcos Rojo has returned to Portugal to resume training with Sporting but after his superb World Cup in Brazil, interest in the 24-year-old has intensified. Sporting Lisbon have rejected a €12 million bid from Southampton in the hope that interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal could force the price higher.

Southampton manager, Ronald Koeman has made no secret of his interest in Rojo and the 24-year-old’s ability to play at left-back and in the centre is very desirable to a side already deprived of Luke Shaw and Dejan Lovren.

However, after his eye-catching performances for Argentina in Brazil, Southampton are not alone in their interest.

Sporting Lisbon President, Bruno de Carvalho and manager, Marco Silva are both keen to retain Rojo but given the interest from the Premier League are willing to let the defender go if the price is right.

Southampton’s offer of €12 million was not only lower than the Portuguese club’s valuation but there was a disagreement over the structure of the payments.

Rojo played in Sporting’s pre-season friendly against Lazio at the weekend but a larger bid is expected and if the reported interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal is true then it is increasingly likely.