Southampton facing stiff competition from AC Milan and Fiorentina for Cristian Tello

Italian duo Fiorentina and AC Milan are both battling to sign Southampton target Cristian Tello back to Italy. 

Cristian Tello spent the second half of last season on loan at Fiorentina, where he scored twice in 15 Serie A outings. 

According to reports, Fiorentina want to land him on a permanent deal from Barcelona, as do their domestic rivals AC Milan. 

But, according to reports, Southampton remain in pole position to sign the Spaniard this summer despite the interest from Italy. 

However Spanish newspaper El Desmarque has revealed that both Italian clubs have now lodged formal bids for Tello and are currently awaiting a response from Barcelona.