Southampton reportedly after Schalke midfielder Goretzka

Southampton are set to lodge a £11million bid for Schalke defensive midfielder Leon Goretzka according to Bild.

After Morgan Schneiderlin's summer departure from the centre of Saints' midfield, Ronald Koeman has been linked to various Europe-based midfielders to bolster his midfield.

Bild's report says Koeman sent Southampton scouts to assess Goretzka in Schalke's final pre-season friendly against FC Twente on Sunday and they liked what they saw.

Goretzka, however, had an injury-hit season in 2014-15 and only made 10 Bundesliga appearances for the Gelsenkirchen-based club. It is unlikely Southampton will risk handing over £10million for a player who can't guarantee regular playing time.

But, if the German midfielder can stay fit, this could prove to be some great business. After selling Schneiderlin for £24million, if you believe the reports we will have bought two young, talented midfielders with that money with cash to spare in Jordy Clasie and Goretzka.

Goretzka has been capped at international level, is only 20 and is highly regarded as one of the most promising talents in German football - his former coach at Bochum dubbed him the "talent of the century" at 17 years old.

No pressure then.