Southampton: Mixed messages over Saints’ pursuit of Williams transfer

Southampton have been consistently linked with a loan move for Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams since the summer transfer window ended.

A report from the Telegraph back in December confirmed that Saints were still actively looking to bring the 20-year-old to St Mary’s to provide much-needed cover at right and left-back.

However, more reports have emerged that suggest other clubs are well in the race to sign him too.

The Shields Gazette suggested yesterday that Newcastle had “agreed framework” for Williams to sign a loan deal with them – potentially putting the Magpies ahead of Saints in the race for his signature.

This was coupled with the Telegraph and Jonathan Shrager reporting that United had rebuffed Saints’ approach – Shrager adding that Saints wanted Williams for 18 months and that Bayer Leverkusen had also had an offer for a permanent transfer turned down.

Another source in Sky Sports are saying that Saints are one of four Premier League clubs who are still waiting for United’s decision on a potential loan departure from Old Trafford though.

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From the huge mix of different lines being reported yesterday, it seems that this could be the latest transfer saga that Saints are involved in.

Deals to sign Kyle Walker-Peters and sell Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg rumbled on for much of the summer transfer window and saw many different takes reported in the press.

Now it appears that the same will happen with this pursuit of Williams – information from United and Newcastle’s side trying to make it difficult for Saints to strike a deal whilst Saints’ position is confirmed by Sky Sports.

It would certainly be a blow for Saints if they were to lose out on someone who has been a long-term target for Ralph Hasenhuttl. He desperately needs cover for his full-back positions and one or two loan signings to ensure his side maintain their charge at the top of the Premier League table.

However, other options will also be looked at given that the club is said to always have multiple targets to replace each of their players should they move on.