Dortmund move ahead of Bayern in race for Bella-Kotchap

Borussia Dortmund have moved ahead of Bayern Munich in the race to sign Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap, according to Sky in Germany. 

Bayern’s focus on signing Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah to bolster their defensive options has given Dortmund the chance to step up their pursuit of Bella-Kotchap. 

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reports that the Bella-Kotchap deal still has a way to go, though. 

Dortmund’s proposal includes a £6.8m loan fee with a £17.2m obligation to buy next summer, plus at least another £4m in bonus payments. 

Bella-Kotchap, 21, is yet to feature for Southampton this season because of injury.