Southampton have ‘sort of looked at’ in-demand Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic as the transfer window edges ever closer, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Kalajdzic has attracted attention from a number of top clubs from across the continent after enjoying a fruitful 24 months in Germany, sparking a hotly contested race for his signature.

What is the latest news on Kalajdzic?

With loan star Armando Broja returning to parent club Chelsea after leading the line for the Saints throughout 2021/22, a new striker may be at the top of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s wish list this summer.

And according to The Athletic, Kalajdzic is one player who the south coast club have on their radar, although the competition for his signature is extremely fierce.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are believed to be keen to snap up the 6 foot 7 giant as Robert Lewandowski edges ever closer to following in Erling Haaland’s footsteps and moving overseas.

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Meanwhile, Benfica are also listed as potential suitors as they seek to line up a replacement for Darwin Nunez, who has been heavily linked to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.

Stuttgart have reportedly placed a €25 million (£21.1m) price tag on their prized asset, and with Kalajdzic’s current contract due to expire in the summer of 2023, he could prove to be a bargain buy.

What has Taylor said about Kalajdzic?

Taylor has revealed that the 24-year-old is someone who the Southampton hierarchy have watched despite the interest from the likes of Bayern.

He told GiveMeSport: “Sasa Kalajdzic at Stuttgart is one they've sort of looked at, but it looks like Bayern Munich are going to sign him now; there’s other big clubs interested in him.

“They've shown they can shop smartly as well; they've always sort of had an eye for a good deal.”

How good is Kalajdzic?

Stuttgart manager Pellegrino Matarazzo stated that Kalajdzic is ‘invaluable’ in a previous interview, and it’s easy to understand why.

The prolific marksman has registered 36 goals and 21 assists in 92 senior appearances throughout his career and has elevated his game to new heights in the last couple of campaigns.

Since the beginning of 2020/21, Kalajdzic has racked up 31 goal contributions in 48 outings, a tally that could have been much higher if it wasn’t for a serious shoulder injury.

It seems as though the Austria international is destined for the top, but it remains to be seen if a stint at Southampton is a part of his journey there.