Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap is also ‘on the list’ at RB Leipzig as a potential replacement for Josko Gvardiol.
That’s according to Sky Sports Germany, who say the centre-back is one of several options being looked at by Leipzig as they gear up to replace the Croatian star.
Gvardiol has been heavily linked with a move away from the Bundesliga side over the last year, with interest in him ramping up after he impressed for his country during the World Cup in Qatar.
Manchester City now appear to be at the front of the queue for his signature and should they get a deal over the line, Leipzig will need to find a replacement.
Sky explain that they are already looking at ‘alternatives’ to the player and in talks with a candidate, but Bella-Kotchap is one of the names on the list.
He joined Southampton from VfL Bochum last summer and impressed in his first season in the Premier League despite the Saints’ eventual relegation to the Championship.
He’s already a part of Hansi Flick’s Germany team and as such it seems unlikely he will remain in England’s second tier, despite being tied to a deal until 2026 with Southampton.
There’s no mention of a possible transfer fee, or even Leipzig opening talks at this point, just that they could in the coming weeks if and or when Gvardiol does depart.
