Sky Report: Hoffenheim step up efforts to acquire Bella-Kotchap
Bella-Kotchap has also recently been linked with a move to Stuttgart, but it appears as if the Swabians are no longer interested in investing a transfer package in the €15-17 million range.
German international Armel Bella Kotchap is once again being linked with a move back to the German football. The former VfL Bochum central defender was reportedly a topic for both Stuttgart and Hoffenheim this week. Following the finalization of Deniz Undav's permanent purchase, however, Stuttgart have reportedly backed off such an expensive pursuit and are turning their attention elsewhere.
Hoffenheim, meanwhile, remain in desperate need of assistance at the center back position. The fledgling administrative regime under interim sporting director Frank Kramer recently saw a potential transfer of French youth international Etienne Youté Kinkoué fall through at the last moment. The 22-year-old Le Havre professional, according to France's "L'Equipe", decided against joining die Kraichgauer.
Sky Germany reports that Bella-Kotchap - after being loaned out twice by his English club - is keen on returning to his native country to revive his career and again enhance his German national team playing prospects. Both Bayern and Dortmund were linked with a move for him last summer. Sky claims that the newly promoted EFL side will be satisfied with a €15-17 million transfer package for the player they once paid €10 million for.