Southampton are reportedly closing in on a deal to bring VfL Bochum centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap to the club this summer.
Ralph Hasenhuttl has already added two new faces this month in the form of goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu and Mateusz Lis, the former of whom joining from Manchester City for a fee which could rise to £15m.
According to The Athletic, the Saints are now closing in on their third signing, as they have agreed a €10m (£8.6m) fee with Bochum to recruit Bella-Kotchap.
The report adds that the 20-year-old is set to sign a four-year contract at St Mary's, with Southampton fending off competition from other Premier League clubs to win the race for his signature.
Bella-Kotchap has been a first-team regular for Bochum since they were promoted to the Bundesliga in 2020 and has made 49 top-flight appearances, including 22 last season.
The Germany Under-21 international's potential arrival would see him compete with fellow centre-backs Jan Bednarek, Mohammed Salisu, Lyanco and Jack Stephens for a place in Hasenhuttl's starting lineup.
Oliver Thomas
