Southampton defender Armel Bella Kotchap is ‘still too expensive’ for Borussia Dortmund, who are now working on a potential loan deal for him instead.
That’s according to Express, who cover the Southampton man today as he’s ‘aroused interest’ from Borussia Dortmund and, potentially, Bayern Munich.
A report yesterday indicated that the German duo were locked in a tug of war over the defender as they look to bolster their defensive options before the end of the window.
Dortmund are keen on him, and Bayern have also ‘put out feelers’, with various reports indicating that both sides have contacted Southampton.
The problem is, the Saints aren’t keen to let him go at a bargain price. They paid €11m for him a year ago and have now set an asking price of €20m on him.
They have no need to sell after a summer of high-profile departures following relegation to the Championship and the fact Bella-Kotchap is tied to a contract until 2026.
Thus, they can demand what they like and €20m is what they want, but it’s ‘too expensive’ for Dortmund’s tastes at this moment in time. That is why the German club are now trying to ‘realise a loan’.
In the meantime, Bayer are ‘also getting involved’ but whether they will give their all to sign him or he would want the move given he’d be fourth choice in defence is debatable.
