Saints set to sign Bundesliga centre-back on permanent deal as Quarshie loan looms

The 29 year old arrives as squad depth and a replacement for defender Josh Quarshie, who is expected to depart St Mary's on loan for the season.

Six-foot-two Schlotterbeck, who represented Germany at the Olympics, has made 152 Bundesliga appearances, notching 10 goals and six assists.

The left-footer played 24 times for Augsburg in the top flight last campaign and captained the team to a 2-0 win in the first round of the cup last week.

Local media in Germany report that Saints will pay a fee of around £3million to sign Schlotterbeck, who is out of contract next summer.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Keven Schlotterbeck (@keven.schlotterbeck31)

Schlotterbeck is set to travel to England to undergo a medical and other formalities before his signing is confirmed, but no issues are expected.

It is independant to interest in Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who has not played in Southampton's last two matches following a bid from Aston Villa.

Saints have rejected offers from the Premier League side, and though they are open to selling him for the right price, their valuation has not been met.

The destination of Quarshie's loan is not yet known, but the 22 year old has not played a minute so far this season under head coach Tonda Eckert.