BAYER Leverkusen have reportedly shown an interested in making a move for Saints winger Nathan Tella this summer.

Southampton have previously rejected bids from Burnley for Tella, but may now need to fend off interest from Germany.

The Bundesliga side are believed to be in the market for a winger to replace Moussa Diaby, who departed for Aston Villa earlier in the transfer window.

The Daily Mail report that Southampton's Tella could be the targeted replacement for Xabi Alonso's side.

The report also notes that Saints are persisting in their attempt to sign Everton's Mason Holgate, however, they are yet to find a deal that suits the Premier League side.

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Tella, who has two years left on his current contract, spent last season on loan at Burnley in the Championship.

He scored 19 goals and provided five assists in 45 appearances for Vincent Kompany's Clarets across all competitions.

The 24 year old has started both league games under new boss Russell Martin so far this season since returning to the club.

He thought he had opened his account for the season with a delightful curling effort, however, replays show that his shot flicked off Adam Armstrong's head on its way into the net.

Speaking to Sky Sports after that game, Tella was tight-lipped on his Southampton future and insisted that he was "just focusing on the next game.”