SAINTS are reportedly "seriously considering" a move for FC Köln forward Damion Downs, but will face opposition from other clubs.

Downs enjoyed a productive 2024/25 campaign, scoring 10 goals in the 2. Bundesliga to help Köln return to Germany's top flight and earned his first senior international call-up.

The German-born forward recently made his USA debut under former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino in a 4-0 defeat to Switzerland, coming off the bench in the second half.

Sky Germany report that Downs' form has altered Championship Saints, whose recruitment is led by German group technical director Johannes Spors.

The south coast club would need to pay a fee in the region of £4million in order to sign the six-feet-four-inches centre-forward.

Köln would like to keep the 20 year old and would prefer to extend his contract, which is set to expire at the end of the 2025/26 campaign. 

A decision has not been made on the player’s side, according to their report, and Downs has several options in front of him.

The former German youth international had 17 goal involvements (11 goals, six assists) across all competitions for The Billy Goats last season.

He made 10 appearances, scoring twice, as Köln suffered relegation from the Bundesliga in 2023/24.

Saints have already dipped into the German market this summer, adding young centre-back Joshua Quarshie as Will Still's first signing.