SAINTS forward Damion Downs is close to joining Bundesliga side Hamburg on loan with an option to buy, the Daily Echo understands.
Downs, 21, is already in Germany with the goal of sealing a return to the country of his birth six months after joining Saints.
The USA international has struggled to adapt to the Championship and is yet to score a goal for Southampton with a World Cup on the horizon.
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Downs hit double figures for FC Koln in the 2. Bundesliga last season, as they beat Hamburg to the title in Germany's second tier.
Sky Germany first reported that Downs will complete his medical today ahead of joining Hamburg on a deal until the end of the season.
We understand that the finer details are being ironed out, with the option to buy set at €10million, meaning Saints could potentially turn a profit.
The striker has made just 11 league appearances for Southampton since joining as their marquee striker signing for £7million in the summer.
Downs has missed the last nine games, having suffered a small knock at the conclusion of Southampton's 3-0 win over Leicester.
Hamburg are currently 13th in the Bundesliga, four points clear of rivals St Pauli in the relegation play-off spot.
Former Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is their joint top goalscorer, alongside Rayan Philippe, with four goals after 15 games.
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