Southampton pushing to sign Premier League winger amid Leeds interest

As previously reported, Southampton are keen to add a winger to their forward line this January transfer window. Injuries to Kamaldeen Sulemana and Sam Edozie mean that Russell Martin has fewer attacking options to work with, and the collective feeling among Saints supporters is that the club should sign another winger, irrespective of these injuries. Burnley's Manuel Benson was linked to a potential Southampton move, although poor relations between the clubs have brought that interest to a halt.

In what has become a massive transfer blow for the club, their interest in Liverpool's Fabio Carvalho has also come to an end, as Fabrizio Romano has reported that the youngster is joining fellow Championship side Hull City on loan.

Also on the list of potential wingers to sign for Southampton is AFC Bournemouth's David Brooks. The Welsh international has seen little playtime this season for the Cherries, with Brooks starting just five matches across all competitions. In 2021, Brooks was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and did not return to play until the end of the 2022-23 Premier League season. Now looking to revitalize his career, a loan to the Championship could be precisely what the 26-year-old winger needs.

Alfie House of the Daily Echo has confirmed that David Brooks is on the Saints' shortlist this window. Furthermore, Nick Mashiter of The Independent has suggested that Southampton are pushing to sign Brooks on loan for the remainder of the season. In what has become a running theme early in this window, other Championship clubs are targetting the same players as Southampton. Via The Square Ball podcast, journalist Phil Hay of The Athletic has suggested that Bournemouth has not decided what to do with David Brooks this window and that Leeds United is also in the picture for his signature and should be allowed to leave.

Much like the situation with Fabio Carvalho, this will ultimately come down to game-time assurances. Fellow Welshman Dan James is Leeds' most used right winger (per Transfermarkt), with the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville also capable of playing on the right. For Southampton, there is a much bigger opening on the right side of the pitch. Jason Wilcox and co. will be hoping that their position of providing more minutes for Brooks will be enough to bring the player to St. Mary's. Wilcox previously coached David Brooks when the player was at Manchester City's academy prior to 2014.