Southampton defender James Bree is set to return from his loan at Charlton Athletic on January 17th.
The English right back enjoyed an excellent start to life for the Addicks under Nathan Jones, but has experienced a dip in form since, which may affect the chances of his deal being extended.
Despite this, Nathan Jones seems keen to keep the defender beyond the expiration of his deal – what will Saints do?
“Everything is ongoing,” said Charlton boss Nathan Jones in December. “The window will be open in a few days’ time. We have to make sure we have a good window.”
The Welsh coach, who managed Bree at Saints, did hint that his side would attempt to keep the right-back beyond January.
“James Bree is an excellent player. I’ve taken him to every club I’ve been at, and he’s been excellent for me,” he told the Southern Daily Echo.
“I’ve signed him everywhere I’ve been, so I think that’s self-explanatory.”
Southampton currently have one free registration spot in their 25-man squad – after the departures of Ronnie Edwards and Gavin Bazunu, and the signing of Israeli shot-stopper Daniel Peretz.
James Bree, now 28-years-old, is a player with over 200 games of experience in the Championship.
With Southampton struggling for leaders, the British defender could be an excellent asset for Tonda Eckert’s side.
Though, the Saints already have Mads Roerslev and Elias Jelert at the club, so if Bree returned then the most likely outcome would be a postponement of Jelert’s loan.
Jelert, who has impressed despite an injury-ridden spell at Southampton, looks a decent player for the club who sit 15th in the Championship, while Roerslev only just penned a four-year deal in August.
What should the Saints do – keep Bree and end Jelert’s loan, or send Charlton’s loanee back out?
