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Transfer rumours: Nathan Tella to Bayer Leverkusen, Flynn Downes to Southampton, Kieran Tierney to Celtic

By Ben Sully | 20 August 2023

Transfer rumours: Tella to Leverkusen, Downes to Southampton, Tierney to Celtic

Sports Mole rounds up some of the latest transfer rumours, including Nathan Tella to Burnley, Flynn Downes to Southampton and Kieran Tierney to Celtic.

Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly interested in signing Southampton winger Nathan Tella.

The Saints have had to contend with a summer exodus since being relegated to the Championship, having seen the likes of Romeo Lavia, James Ward-Prowse, Tino Livramento and Mohamed Salisu all leave the club.

Che Adams is believed to be closing in on a move to Everton, and the Saints could now be at risk of losing another member of Russell Martin's squad.

According to journalist Florian Plettenburg, Leverkusen want to sign Tella and have already agreed personal terms with the 24-year-old.

However, there is still work to be done before a transfer can be completed, with the two clubs yet to agree a fee.

Leverkusen are hoping to strike a deal between €16m (£13.7m) and €18m (£15.4m), while Southampton are holding out for a fee in the range of €25m (£21.3m) and €30m (£25.6m).

Tella, who has a contract until June 2025, scored the opener for the Saints in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle.

West Ham United's Flynn Downes during the warm up before the match on September 3, 2022 © Reuters

While the Saints could lose Tella's services, they are reportedly close to signing Flynn Downes from West Ham United.

Downes, who joined the Hammers from Swansea City for £22m last summer, failed to establish himself in David Moyes's side, starting just seven of his 21 Premier League appearances during the 2022-23 season.

Having strengthened their midfield with the additions of Edson Alvarez and Ward-Prowse, West Ham are now prepared to part ways with the 24-year-old.

Southampton have seemingly identified Downes as Ward-Prowse's replacement, and according to Football Insider they have agreed a deal to sign the midfielder.

Downes is expected to undergo a medical on Monday, before he is unveiled as Southampton's fourth addition of the summer transfer window.

The Saints have fought off interest from Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Middlesbrough, who have all been linked with a move this summer.

Arsenal's Kieran Tierney pictured in May 2023 © Reuters

Meanwhile, Scottish champions Celtic are reportedly well-placed to sign their former defender Kieran Tierney from Arsenal.

Tierney, who left Celtic in the summer of 2019, has 124 competitive appearances during his four years as an Arsenal player.

However, the left-back fell down the pecking order last season following the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City.

Tierney was restricted to just six Premier League starts, which has led to speculation about his future in North London.

Newcastle United were believed to be interested in the 26-year-old, before turning their attention to Chelsea youngster Lewis Hall.

According to Football Insider, Celtic could be the only option available to Tierney if he leaves the Emirates Stadium this summer.

While Celtic are supposedly interested in bringing Tierney back to the club, the report suggests that they may lack the funds required to complete the deal.