Bella-Kotchap, 21, arrived at St. Mary’s from Bochum last year and has so far played in 24 league matches for the Saints.
He has yet to feature for Russell Martin’s side this season and has drawn interest from Borussia Dortmund in the ongoing transfer window.
The German giants want to bring in Bella-Kotchap as centre-back cover for their forthcoming campaign.
The defender is keen on leaving Southampton, but he is unlikely to be a regular in Dortmund’s team if he makes a switch to Germany.
And it is now suggested that the 21-year-old centre-half is reluctant to join his Bundesliga suitors this summer, with the player holding wishes to attain regular playing time before Euro 2024.
Dortmund are also reluctant to fork out €20m for a player who they consider defensive cover.
Bella-Kotchap has still three years remaining on his contract with the Saints.
And it remains to be seen whether the German will stay put at St. Mary’s beyond the transfer deadline.
