Report: Southampton told to pay £22.5m to sign Martin Hinteregger

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German newspaper Frankfurter Rundschau have claimed that Southampton are interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt defender Martin Hinteregger – but that the Saints will have to pay a whopping £22.5million to get him.

Hintergger, 27, initially joined Frankfurt on loan in January 2019 and having played 21 times for the German club during the second half of the 2018-19 campaign – earned a permanent move to Frankfurt last summer.

He has since starred for the 2018-19 Europa League semi-finalists. Clocking up 49 appearances in all competitions, the 45-time Austria international has earned the tag of a goalscoring defender – netting nine times.

He even scored a brace against Bayern Munich in May. Frankfurt are expected to consider offers for a number of their best players this summer – and could reluctantly let Hinteregger go for just £22.5million this summer.

TBR’s view – Hinteregger could be ideal signing

The Saints need a central defender this summer and Hinteregger – who is of Champions League ability according to Frankurt boss Adi Hutter – would be an excellent addition and not just because of his goalscoring ability.

His goals are a huge asset, but he is also excellent in defence. Hinteregger has also shown over the years that he is reliable, clocking up 375 appearances at club level and 45 more for his country.

Yes, he would be expensive but Southampton would be getting a player in the form of his life.