Saints are in the market to make additions to their squad before the transfer window closes, but there could also be outgoings from St Mary’s.
Mara is a wanted man and Marseille are interested in taking him to France before the deadline.
Marseille made an approach to sign Mara on loan, according to French outlet Foot Mercato, but the Premier League side rejected the offer.
The 20-year-old has made 14 appearances in the Premier League for Southampton so far this season, though he is yet to open his goalscoring account.
Mara joined Southampton from French club Bordeaux last summer and penned a four-year contract.
He is struggling for regular game time under Nathan Jones, but the Southampton boss appears not to want to lose him.
Mara did play 86 minutes on Saturday in the FA Cup, providing an assist as Southampton beat Blackpool 2-1.
