Southampton are understood to be closing in on a deal to bring German centre-back Keven Schlotterbeck to the Championship, according to BBC Sport.

The 29-year-old, who has spent his entire professional career in Germany, moved to FC Augsburg in 2024 and made 49 appearances for the Bundesliga club, chipping in with three goals. Last season in particular, he registered two assists across 24 league outings as Augsburg finished ninth in Germany's top flight.

Not a direct replacement for Harwood-Bellis

Crucially, BBC Sport understands that Southampton's pursuit of Schlotterbeck is not being driven by the need to directly replace Taylor Harwood-Bellis, despite the vice-captain's continued links with a move away from St Mary's. Southampton have already rejected an £18m bid for Harwood-Bellis and the club are reported to be holding firm on their valuation, with head coach Tonda Eckert confirming that no offer meeting that figure has yet arrived.

Speaking in his press conference following Southampton's Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham, Eckert offered a careful update on Harwood-Bellis's situation: "We are having conversations. Let's see how the next days go and maybe we will have something to announce. He's been around but when you're in the middle of negotiations and have the chance to play in the Champions League it's not easy to process."

The Southampton manager added: "We know that we need to do something in the market with incomings and I'm sure that we will get something done in the days left."

Quarshie loan move in the offing

The arrival of Schlotterbeck, should it be confirmed, is understood to have a knock-on effect elsewhere in the squad. It is reported that 22-year-old Joshua Quarshie could be moved out on loan as a consequence, freeing up a central defensive berth and giving the young defender regular game time at an appropriate level.

Schlotterbeck is the older brother of Borussia Dortmund and Germany international Nico Schlotterbeck, though unlike his sibling he has built his career in the lower reaches of the Bundesliga rather than at the elite end of European club football. He did, however, represent Germany at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, underlining his pedigree at international level.

What it means for Southampton's defensive picture

Southampton have made a mixed start to life back in the Championship, picking up their first league win of the campaign against Stoke City before a defeat to Watford raised some early concerns. Bolstering the defensive unit, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Harwood-Bellis, looks to be a clear priority for Eckert as the window enters its final phase.

Schlotterbeck's experience across nearly 50 appearances in the Bundesliga should provide the kind of composure and physicality required to compete in the second tier. At 29, he arrives at the kind of age where a player typically offers reliability without the development risk associated with younger prospects.

BBC Sport has not yet confirmed whether the deal will be a permanent transfer or a loan arrangement, and the precise financial structure of any potential agreement remains unreported at this stage. Southampton supporters will be watching for further updates in the coming days as Eckert moves to strengthen his options at the back.

Frequently asked

Who is Keven Schlotterbeck?
Keven Schlotterbeck is a 29-year-old German centre-back who plays for FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga. He is the older brother of Borussia Dortmund and Germany international Nico Schlotterbeck, and represented Germany at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Is Schlotterbeck replacing Harwood-Bellis at Southampton?
According to BBC Sport, Southampton's move for Schlotterbeck is not intended as a direct replacement for Taylor Harwood-Bellis. The club are understood to still be holding firm on their valuation for Harwood-Bellis and have rejected at least one bid for him.
What will happen to Joshua Quarshie if Schlotterbeck signs?
It is understood that Southampton could send 22-year-old centre-back Joshua Quarshie out on loan if the Schlotterbeck deal is completed, giving the younger player regular first-team football elsewhere.