Pardew is pondering a deal for highly-rated Aaron Martin

Southampton boss Alan Pardew is considering offering a professional deal to Eastleigh's highly-rated defender Aaron Martin.

The 20-year-old centre-half impressed playing for the Saints reserve team during a fortnight's trial.

"I like Aaron. He has come in and shown all the attributes that he could be a professional player," Pardew told BBC Radio Solent.

"If we and Eastleigh feel it's right, then we'd try and do a deal."

A number of league clubs are reported to be keeping tabs on former England Schools' defender Martin, who hails from Southampton, and was educated at the city's Itchen College.

"Like all young players, he wants to make it into the professional game. He's come in and done well, but Eastleigh are a club who we have a good relationship with, and we have to respect that he's their player," Pardew added.

We certainly wouldn't stand in Aaron's way Eastleigh boss Ian Baird

Blue Square South side Eastleigh are managed by former Saints striker Ian Baird, who recommended Martin to Southampton.

Baird told BBC Radio Solent: "From Eastleigh's point of view and from my point of view, we certainly wouldn't stand in Aaron's way if something did work out."

"He's only 20, there's still a large amount of improvement in him, so to put a value on him at this moment would be difficult."

Baird added: "The most important thing is that the boy can progress, and I think he's got what it takes to do that."

"The biggest thing that Aaron's got going for him is his attitude and desire, and he's trying to make the best of everything he's got."

"Aaron has been with Eastleigh since he was 14, so if he was to go on and get a move to Southampton, it would make a large number of people very proud."

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