Southampton are emerging as a "real option" for Bayern Munich youngster Chris Richards, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Saints have already secured a deal for young Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and now they're being linked with a move for the 22-year-old.

What's the latest news involving Richards?

According to The Athletic, Southampton are keen on signing the £13m-rated versatile defender, who spent last season on loan at Hoffenheim.

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Crystal Palace have also been credited with an interest in the USA international, who's only made 10 appearances for Bayern since he made the switch to Germany from FC Dallas following a successful trial.

But after establishing himself as a regular while on loan at Hoffenheim, in which he played 20 games, a switch to the Premier League is under consideration.

Hasenhuttl is now hoping to strengthen his defence after watching his side concede 67 goals in the top-flight last season, which was the fourth-most in the league.

What did Jones say about Richards?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "Chris Richards is emerging as a real option for Saints.

"I've watched a fair bit of him and while he hasn't made it at Bayern yet there is definitely reason to believe this would be a good signing. A few things to be sorted but people around it seem optimistic."

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How did Richards perform last season?

According to WhoScored, Richards was Hoffenheim's seventh-best player last term, with a notable rating of 6.66.

The promising defender, who can play anywhere across the back four, was in the top four players for most clearances (2.5), interceptions (1.2) and blocks (0.5) per game, while he made 1.4 tackles every time he took to the pitch.

Richards also had impressive passing statistics, completing 51.6 every game, with his success rate a significant 84.2 per cent, which was the seventh-best in the Hoffenheim squad.

The American clearly has a calmness about his game, which was highlighted by ex-Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick, who obviously rated Richards despite a lack of game-time during his tenure.

"He [Richards] does his job very well," Flick said of Richards back in 2020 when he was Munich manager. "He is very calm."