Nathan Tella: Southampton forward joins Bayer Leverkusen

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Tella helped Burnley to the Championship title with 19 goals last season

Southampton forward Nathan Tella has joined Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen in a reported 拢20m deal.

The 24-year-old starred for Burnley on loan last season, scoring 19 goals as the Clarets won the Championship title.

He has signed a five-year deal with the German club.

"Although disappointed to lose such a talented homegrown player and popular character, the club felt the offer represented fair value," Southampton said.

"Many younger players from the Premier League got a chance in the Bundesliga and were able to improve significantly here," Tella told Leverkusen's website.

"This is an impressive team who made it to the semi-finals of the Europa League last season. I really want to continue on this path with Bayer 04."

Tella spent six years with the Saints after joining the academy from Arsenal as a 17-year-old.

He featured three times in the Championship this season, scoring once, but was left out of the side for Saturday's 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers.