CHERRIES’ south coast neighbours Southampton are reportedly interested in attempting to lure Max Aarons across the New Forest after missing out on the right-back last summer.

That is according to the BBC, who also claim that a host of other top-flight teams are keeping tabs on Aarons.

AFC Bournemouth paid Norwich City a reported £7million to secure the services of Aarons ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The former Canary signed a four-year deal upon his arrival at Dean Court, tying him down until the end of the 2026/27 season.

Cherries and Saints were just two of the clubs interested in a move for the defender.

He had already rejected Southampton, travelling to Leeds United to complete a deal, before Cherries swooped in to hijack the transfer.

But now after winning promotion back to the Premier League after a one-year stint in the Championship, Saints are apparently keen to go back in for Aarons.

The 24-year-old made 23 appearances in his first season at Vitality Stadium, with gametime limited by two hamstring injuries.

Aarons faces stiff competition for the starting right-back berth, with club stalwart Adam Smith rolling back the years with his performances during the younger defender’s absence.

Saints and Cherries have done quite a bit of business together this decade.

Last season Southampton borrowed David Brooks and Joe Rothwell on loan from Cherries for the second half of the season.

The year before there was a deal in the opposite direction, with Cherries loaning centre-back Jack Stephens from St. Mary’s.

During Cherries’ stint in the Championship, striker Shane Long was also lent by Southampton to the Dorset outfit.

Southampton are not the only side credited with a renewed interest in the right-back. Italian giants AS Roma are also reportedly interested in the England under-21 international, having previously tried to sign Aarons in 2021.