Southampton: Solskjaer hints at loan for Saints target Brandon Williams

Southampton are continuing to look for players to add to their squad before the January transfer window shuts and could bring in a defender before the deadline.

One player who has been heavily linked with Saints over the course of this month is Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams, and now United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted that Williams may be on the move.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday afternoon, Solskjaer said:

"“They’re still part of the club, part of the squad, training well. No deal has been struck for any players yet going out – still a little period left, of course. There’s been many clubs interested in our players, so let’s see what happens.”"

Although the main line here is that Solskjaer says no deals have been agreed yet, he has not ruled out loan departures from United before the end of January.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

With significant competition in front of him, Brandon Williams could well be one player who takes a temporary move away to gain first-team football. Saints should be at the front of the queue to take him given that they have been the main suitors for the youngster in this window.

Other clubs have also been linked with Williams in the recent past but Saints clearly see him as a perfect fit for them and this may prove the difference.

Ralph Hasenhuttl is having to deal with many injuries in defence at the moment and both his first-choice full-backs are unavailable for Tuesday night’s meeting with Arsenal in the Premier League.

Kyle Walker-Peters has picked up a thigh injury and will be on the sidelines for an unspecified amount of time, whilst left-back Ryan Bertrand misses the clash with the Gunners through suspension.

Yan Valery and Jake Vokins may prove to be more than capable replacements when they take to the field this evening but their relative youth looks to have Saints eyeing short-term cover for their positions.

Further injuries to centre-backs Jannik Vestergaard and Mohammed Salisu have also stretched a backline that has otherwise performed admirably to keep 10 clean sheets in all competitions this season.