According to the media, Saints are set to raid the Bundesliga for a Central defender from VFL Bochum, find out all the info on him here.

VFL Bochum centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap is on the verge of becoming Southampton's third summer signing, with the club hoping to finalise his signing for a fee in the region of £10m in the next 48 hours.

The 20 year old is seemingly about to arrive at St Mary's on a initial four-year deal with the option of a further 12 months, an agreement that is expected to include a buyout clause.

Chelsea are said to be one of the club's interested in signing the player who will turn 21 in December and already has almost 70 appearances to his name in both the Bundesliga top division and the 2nd tier.

Many media outlets are now picking up on the story with some claiming that the player has been pictured at Staplewood.

Bella-Kotchap is a central defender and so far in his career has only played in this position aside from one occasion he appears to have filled in as a right back.

Photo: Action Images

WestSussexSaint added 14:17 - Jun 21 From what I read he is very similar to Salisu in terms of playing style. Strong, quick and tackles well but prone to lapses of concentration and rushes of blood. As we have seen with Salisu, when they are in a good place these young defenders are outstanding but there is inconsistency due to their age and experience. I would still like to see a more experienced CB arrive possibly with Bednarek leaving as Stephens now has a new contract.

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underweststand added 14:44 - Jun 21 As usual - Saints find a talent that few people have ever heard of, and we were first past the post whilst other suitors waited around scratching themselves. Don't see him becoming a first team starter next season, but in time - who knows?. I agree with " West Sussex" ....clearly Ralph is " building from the back " with two new goalies on the books, and having Wille C. back for another season will give us plenty of options for the custodian's role. Now we have a young CB with a bit of experience - and (maybe) another on the way (?). I can't wait to see who the new midfielder(s) will be - and then the signing of "a star striker" - (whoever that may be) . There is surely " someone" being lined up (with Walcott and Long already with one foot out the door) but we do need another striker - someone with a bit of pedigree - who won't cost us an arm and leg.

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dirk_doone added 14:58 - Jun 21 Here he is in action: Meanwhile, Newcastle are signing Sven Botman.
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Colburn added 16:53 - Jun 21 If he has represented Germany U-21 then he must have a future in the eyes of many within the German international set up.. They aren't too shabby.. But as always, the proof is in the pudding. At least it appears we are trying to get our business done early rather than buying players halfway through pre season or deadline day, when they've missed out on team building, haven't yet moved their families and as a result, usually aren't up to speed until the winter. Let's hope we complete all signings ASAP so we can hit the ground running as a squad come the start of August, it might be the difference in 5 or 6 places and avoid a nervy ending.

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ExiledSupporter added 18:05 - Jun 21 Including this gent (and excluding Phil Jones who we are regularly associated with) this means we are likely to have 7 central defenders, several of whom are not really up to it and none of whom played to an acceptable level in the last third of the season. Apart from Salisu who has plenty of promise Messrs Bednarek, Stephens, Lyanco and Valery are inconsistent at best, Simeu has no PL experience. None of them have the leadership qualities urgently required...and we need a spine in the team, also painfully absent for much of the season...oh and we're desperate for a reliable goal scorer or two and a No.10! Is this madness or what....who are we going to sell the dross to?

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