Yahoo Sport 
Rory MacLeod targets Southampton transfer as Dundee United starlet awaits D-day
Rory MacLeod admits he's desperate to turn his loan move to Southampton into a permanent deal.
The Dundee United starlet joined Saints on a season-long loan in the summer after a forgettable loan stint with League Two Forfar. The 18-year-old burst onto the scene at Tannadice two years ago but is now on a year-long trial at St Mary's as the promising attacker attempts to land a move to the English Premier League.
MacLeod will be in action for Scotland Under-19s against Wales today and hopes to catch the eye of Southampton boss Russell Martin, with a decision on his future possibly on the horizon.
READ MORE: Kieron Bowie Hibs return latest as David Gray reveals striker back training on grass
He said: "It wasn't an easy decision for me to move away from home after growing up as a United fan. Southampton isn't exactly the closest place I could have gone. But I felt it was the right move as I needed to play more minutes.
"Moving down there was good for me, so I was glad to get the deal done on deadline day. It's a loan with two options to buy - one in January, one in summer. So I just need to keep doing what I'm doing, and hopefully get a permanent move.
"There's no indication of that yet. There haven't been any talks, but hopefully by January we'll have a decision. It's a very good standard, I'd say it's been a step up for me. It's something different because I'd just been used to Scottish football. I've trained once or twice with the first team when they needed boys in. But even training with the Under-21s down there is brilliant."
The dream scenario would be for MacLeod to follow in the footsteps of ex-Tannadice star Stuart Armstrong by becoming a regular for Southampton. He said: "The gaffer's a really nice guy. He's been great with me. The first-team players are always asking how you're getting on too.
"I came through at United as a striker, and then drifted into the No 10 role. know Armstrong played that role here too. It's hopefully the plan to follow in his footsteps. I just need to keep working hard, knuckling down and show them what I can do. There's definitely a pathway. You can tell because Southampton have brought through many players in the past."
