SAINTS are named among clubs reportedly interested in FC Koln centre-back Timo Hubers, after a strong second-half to the Bundesliga season.

The 25-year-old German defender has impressed in starting 12 of the last 13 league matches, only missing one through a positive COVID test.

Koln have risen from the threat of relegation to eighth in the Bundesliga, despite defeat to Union Berlin last time out.

The form comes after right-footed Hubers only made three appearances across the first 15 games of the Bundesliga season.

Hubers is a former German youth international, and is approaching the final 12 months of his contract after joining Koln from second-division Hannover on a two-year deal last summer.

The Daily Mail report that Newcastle United, Leeds United and Crystal Palace are tracking the player, while West Ham, Saints and Fulham are also monitoring his situation.

Hubers is described as a six-foot two-inch ball-playing defender, which would suit manager Ralph Hasenhuttl’s style of play out the back.

The Austrian has credited Mohammed Salisu this season after the 22-year-old has vastly improved his game with ball at feet.

Hubers has swapped between Hannover and Koln during his career, playing with the youth sides of both teams before making a free transfer to the latter from Hannover last summer.

Saints are likely to be looking for defensive reinforcements this summer, despite having four first-teamers on the books and Dynel Simeu developing on loan at Carlisle United.

The St Mary’s outfit replaced Jannik Vestergaard with a man of similar profile to Hubers in summer 2021, with Torino’s Lyanco arriving at the club.

Jan Bednarek has not had his strongest season under Hasenhuttl this time around, while he was left out for the FA Cup quarter-final clash versus Manchester City with the boss worried he might not be completely focussed ahead of a vital World Cup clash for Poland.

Jack Stephens, 28, has also had a mixed season after a really good start to the campaign, before a serious hamstring tendon injury at the Etihad Stadium in September.