Southampton have reportedly been keeping a close eye on the progress of David Bates at 2. Bundesliga side Hamburg.
According to claims from the Daily Mirror, as cited in a report from the Daily Record, the Saints are among a host of Premier League clubs who have scouted the young defender in recent times.
Bates completed a switch to Hamburg in the summer transfer window after leaving Rangers for free. He has since established himself as a key man for the German outfit, making eight league appearances so far this season.
In these aforementioned eight starts for Hamburg, the team have kept six clean sheets as they continue to push for an immediate return to the Bundesliga.
Bates, who is a full international for the Scotland Under-21 side, is said to have caught the eye of several Premier League representatives as clubs weigh up respective swoops for the player.
Southampton are joined by Arsenal, Everton, Leicester City and Watford in their interest in Bates, according to the report.
