Southampton plotting transfer swoop for 10-goal striker | OneFootball

Southampton are interested in Koln striker Damion Downs, who could be available for €5m this summer.

Southampton are ‘seriously considering’ making a move for FC Koln striker Damion Downs in the summer transfer window.

The 20-year-old joined the German outfit in 2015, and he has progressed through the ranks into the first-team, with the previous campaign a real breakthrough one for the striker.

Downs featured regularly for Koln as they won the Bundesliga II title, scoring ten goals along the way.

Southampton lining up transfer move for Damion Downs

Such form appears to have caught attention, and with Downs entering the final 12 months of his contract, there are doubts about his future, despite Koln’s promotion to the top-flight.

And, Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed that Southampton are keen on the player as they look to strengthen Will Still’s attacking options ahead of the new season.

“Southampton are seriously considering a transfer for Damion Downs among other candidates! The 20 y/o talented striker is currently with the USMNT. He has one year left on his contract with 1. FC Köln. Discussions are ongoing about a potential transfer fee of around €5m.

“Koln want to keep him and would prefer to extend his contract. No decision yet on the player’s side. Downs has several options.”

Southampton must back Will Still in transfer market

Saints do have a lot of strikers on their books right now, particularly with the likes of Ben Brereton Diaz and Adam Armstrong returning from loan spells.

But, it remains to be seen who will be at the club beyond the transfer window, so you can understand why they are looking at reinforcements.

Ultimately, appointing Will Still as head coach was a shrewd decision from the hierarchy, and they now need to back him in the market as much as possible as he looks to build a team in his image.

If he thinks Downs is that man, then this is a deal that should be possible, and it would be a coup when you consider his potential. Plus, convincing him to join Saints as a Championship club when Koln have been promoted would be a statement of intent.

At 20, Downs has plenty of room to improve, and his physicality means he could be ideally suited to the demands of the Championship.