Bayer Leverkusen are weighing up a move for Southampton forward Nathan Tella, who has emerged on their radar as a primary target.
German news outlet Kicker reports that Die Werkself are considering a move for Tella, who is expected to raise the bar in the attacking department.
Leverkusen have been active in the transfer market this summer, reinforcing their first-team squad with several new players.
They are eager to improve on last season’s Europa League qualification and have made significant changes this summer.
Moussa Diaby joined Aston Villa earlier this summer and they are in the market for at least one more attacking recruit.
Southampton’s Tella has been identified as the man to take their attacking prospect up a notch, with the new Bundesliga campaign set to kick off in less than a week.
The 24-year-old spent the last season on loan at Burnley, where he helped Vincent Kompany’s side win promotion to the Premier League by a landslide.
Tella finished the campaign with 17 goals in 39 Championship appearances – a tally bettered only by four players in the division.
Capable of featuring in several attacking positions, including as a centre forward, Tella could be an eye-catching acquisition for Leverkusen.
However, he is yet to prove himself at the highest level with just one goal and two assists in 33 Premier League appearances.
Negotiating a suitable transfer fee with Southampton could be tricky, with the Championship club likely to demand around €20 million to sanction his departure.
Tella already has an assist in two Championship games for Southampton this season, and they will be reluctant to part ways with a player who could be pivotal in their top-flight aspirations.
The Saints have already lost their captain James Ward-Prowse to West Ham United this summer and are also on the cusp of losing Romeo Lavia to Chelsea.
