Who is this 22-year-old Bundesliga ace on Watford and Southampton’s radar? A huge talent?

Who is Watford and Southampton target David Bates? Everything you need to know

According to reports in Daily Record, former Rangers centre-back David Bates is eyed up by Arsenal, Everton and other Premier League clubs. The Scot joined Hamburger SV in the summer on a free transfer from the Ibrox club and has impressed.

The 22-year-old is in good form for the German club, helping them to a good start as they look to bounce back and get promoted back to the Bundesliga. As per the report, the English clubs have sent scouts to have a closer look at the player and take note of his development.

Arsenal, Everton, Watford, Leicester City and Southampton are the clubs who are keeping close tabs on the centre-back. (Daily record, h/t Sunday Mirror)

Here’s everything you need to know about the player:

Scout report – David Bates

Age – 22

Main Position – Centre-back (can play as a right-back)

Current club – Hamburger SV

Born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, Bates began his career at his hometown club Raith Rovers in 2013. In January 2015, he was loaned out to Scottish League Two team East Stirlingshire. The 22-year-old played 17 games for the club, scoring a goal in his last match for the team.

In July 2015, Bates played his first game for Raith and on 8th August 2015, he took part in his first ever league game. A year later, the centre-back moved to Rangers on a development loan until January 2017.

By the end of his loan spell, he impressed many at the Ibrox. As a result, the player’s move was made permanent. He made his debut for the Gers against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

However, Bates left the club in the summer after failing to agree a new deal. He is now a part of a Hamburger SV defence which is doing well in his presence. In the seven games played, the 22-year-old has helped the German club to five clean sheets.

The same defence conceded nine goals in the other two games in which the Scot didn’t play. It just shows the impact the centre-back possesses as a player.

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Bates is a commanding defender, who has the adequate height (193cm) to dominate the centre-forwards with ease.

His aerial prowess helps him to be a key player in both boxes, and can handle the physicality of the Premier League if he eventually joins one of the clubs that are scouting him.