Southampton have closed in on the signing of Bayern Munich defender Chris Richards this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Saints have already completed the signing of goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu and Mateusz Lis during the transfer window, as manager Ralph Hasenhuttl looks to improve on a 15th-placed finish in the Premier League last season.
Captain James Ward-Prowse has been linked with a move away from the St Mary's Stadium, with the likes of West Ham United and Newcastle United credited with an interest, but Southampton remain keen to keep the midfielder at the club beyond the summer.
Southampton wish to build their squad around the England international, and Hasenhuttl is keen to strengthen his defence after his side conceded 67 goals in 38 Premier League games during the 2021-22 campaign.
Bayern's Richards is said to be of interest according to transfer journalist Jones, who says that the American is an option for Southampton during the transfer window.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: "Chris Richards is emerging as a real option for Saints.
"I've watched a fair bit of him and while he hasn't made it at Bayern yet there is definitely reason to believe this would be a good signing. A few things to be sorted but people around it seem optimistic."
Richards, a USA international, is a versatile defender that can play across the back four, and has spent the last 18 months on loan with Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim from Bayern.
The 22-year-old has only made 10 senior appearances for his parent club since making the switch from FC Dallas in 2018, whilst several injuries restricted Richards to just 20 Bundesliga appearances last season, of which only 13 were starts.
Matthew Tranter
