Southampton latest news: High-profile interest in player, Flynn Downes blow, Che Adams injury update | OneFootball

Southampton are still yet to know if they will be playing in the Championship or the Premier League next season, but the transfer rumour mill has already begun ahead of a busy summer.

Russell Martin's side finished fourth in their first season back in the second-tier since 2012, and now are set to face West Bromwich Albion away on May 12 and at home on May 17 in the Championship play-offs.

Regardless of their league standing next season, it is certain to be a hectic summer at St Mary's as players arrive at and leave the club - with some of their stars surely set to leave if they do not get promoted.

With that in mind, Football League World takes you through the latest Southampton headlines...

Armel Bella-Kotchap linked to Borussia Dortmund

Saints signed Bella-Kotchap from VFL Bochum in June 2022 on a four-year contract, but his two-year stay on the south coast could be about to come to a permanent end.

After relegation from the Premier League in his first season, the 22-year-old joined Dutch giants PSV on loan last summer - but has made just four appearances for the Eredivisie champions all season, so he looks unlikely to join on a permanent deal.

Fabrizio Romano reported last week that he is likely to leave Southampton this summer, with a price tag set at €20m.

German outlet Ruhr 24 has claimed that Bella-Kotchap 'could be interesting' for Borussia Dortmund this summer, with the player ‘probably about to change clubs’ imminently, meaning they look set to revive their interest from last summer.

This summer could be different though, with reinforcements needed at centre-back and veteran Mats Hummels' contract talks still ongoing.

Flynn Downes' future uncertain

Downes has impressed while on loan at Southampton from West Ham this season - and the Hammers are set to give him a chance to impress reported new boss Julen Lopetegui in pre-season, according to The Standard.

The midfielder joined West Ham from Swansea for a reported £12million back in the summer of 2022, and made 35 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League side, prior to his loan to Southampton this season.

Downes has been one of Saints' most important players throughout this season, making 34 appearances in all competitions, with the club winning just two of the 12 games that he has not figured in.

David Moyes did not favour Downes, but the likelihood of Saints taking him on a permanent deal would take a big blow if Lopetegui, who has reportedly signed a contract to become Hammers boss, takes a liking to the former-Ipswich man and sees him as a player he could utilise in his squad next season.

Che Adams is fit to play

Saints fans may have had reason to worry when Adams was substituted with a knock just after the hour mark in their final day 2-1 win over Leeds United, but the Scottish international was only taken off as a precaution, according to boss Russell Martin when he spoke to the Daily Echo.

He said: ""He felt a bit of tightness, there is no point carrying on and risking him after that.

Adams also has a week to recover, so that news will be a relief to all connected with the club ahead of their crunch upcoming play-off games against West Brom after his fine form towards the end of the season.

The 27-year-old has netted seven goals in his last 13 games, and was nominated for the Championship Player of the Month award for April after scoring five in Southampton's eight games that month.

He has been a key player for Martin's side this season and will undoubtedly play a huge part in their play-off campaign if Saints do get promoted this time around.