Southampton are the latest Premier League side to be linked with a move for Schalke striker Matthew Hoppe and the youngster could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl's side this summer.

What's the word?

According to 90min, Southampton, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves are all keen on signing the 20-year-old, who is likely to leave the German side this summer as they look to raise funds to ease their precarious financial situation, which was only made worse by their relegation from the Bundesliga last season.

The report suggests that the named clubs are expected to make an approach for Hoppe soon, and given that Danny Ings' future with Southampton is currently in doubt after he rejected a contract offer from the club, perhaps we will see the South Coast club act quickly to bring in the USA striker as his long-term replacement.

Would he be a good signing?

Despite Schalke's struggles last season, Hoppe was able to contribute six goals and one assist in 22 Bundesliga appearances, which saw him finish as their top scorer in the German top-flight, despite it being his first season in the first-team.

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That included a hattrick in a surprise 4-0 win against Hoffenheim, which led former Germany striker Jurgen Klinsmann to sing his praises, saying:

“Seeing him there today, scoring three goals in probably one of the most difficult moments in Schalke’s history, is just incredible.

“This is a fairytale story, you know? It should make the kid super proud, it should make the youth system in America super proud and it’s a big, big deal at Schalke.”

A report from ESPN praises Hoppe's off the ball running, as well as his pressing ability and skill in the air, which immediately marks him out as someone that Hasenhuttl would surely love to have in his 4-2-2-2 system at Southampton, given that he has favoured a partnership of Che Adams and Ings - two quick strikers who possess the energy and ability to be effective in their off the ball running.

Therefore, Saints vice-chairman Martin Semmens should definitely consider a move for the 20-year-old sensation this summer, as he could be a superb option for Southampton in the long term.

And, in other news... Fabrizio Romano drops Southampton transfer news on "excellent" gem, Saints fans will be buzzing