AFC Bournemouth's David Brooks has been said to be on Saints radar in this transfer window, but after starring in his sides win over Swansea in the FA Cup last night, that option seemed to be fading, but what is the players own view on the situation.

David Brooks had been struggling this season to get game time for the Cherries, in the Premier League he had played just 13 times mainly as a sub and getting just 273 minutes action on the pitch, prompting Bournemouth to consider loaning him out for the remainder of the season.

After last night's comprehensive win over Swansea in the FA Cup where Brooks scored the opening goal and added an assist, many assumed that he might well be forcing his way into the starting line up on a more regular basis and that a loan move might be taken off the table for the 26 year old.

But footballleagueworld.co.uk are saying that in his post match comments, Brooks himself is still open to moving this month unless Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola can guarantee him more game time.

Speaking to the BBC he had this to say.

"I just want to play first team football.

"I've had a lot of time of the sidelines and I don't want to continue there.

"I'd love to continue my football here but it's up to everyone what they think the best situation is.

"I'd rather be playing here but if he [manager Andoni Iraola] thinks there isn't guaranteed football for me here I'll try and explore opportunities elsewhere."

That seems to be an invitation for other clubs to come and get him and that may be good news for Southampton, although they will have competition from other clubs with Leeds Unites also said to be interested.

At the moment Saints seem to be exploring several wide men options including Manuel Benson of Burnley and Brooks, from this perspective Brooks may be the best option, he has had more game time of late and played a starring role in the demolition of Swansea, whereas Benson has managed just 4 outings in the Premier League for Burnley playing just 73 minutes, he has only added another 27 minutes in the EFL Cup to that tally, since September he has only played once, that being 8 minutes off the bench in December.

So Southampton may consider that Brooks is match fit and ready to step straight in whilst Benson may be a bit rusty, they will hope that if they pursue the option then the player himself may consider St Mary's a good destination as it would mean that he would not need to move and could easily travel to both Staplewood for training and St Mary's without having to temporarily uproot.

Photo: Action Images

underweststand added 09:55 - Jan 26 If these two fellas are open to a move ?..then Brooks may be the best option just now. Despite the rave reviews about Benson, he hasn't played much football either and there are considerations for any player considering a change of club, not least family issues. IF ..Brooks has a family ? he won't want to be away from them too much ..wife's lifestyle?, small children in nursery school? ..are all major factors in a decision, and even a shorter term loan to Leeds (!) may be a move too far (away) whereas a short journey eastwards on the motorway might resolve both situations. By the end of the season both player and club will be able to make a permanent decision about the future. Lack of playing time may mean that Benson's case may not be resolved in January and he may end up an alternative choice for next season - if he's still available. One thing is certain, in that RM's squad is still young and to some extent "experimental", and looking back one can recall that Notts. Forest bought in over 20 new names the season after they were promoted, and only just survived their first season. A " type " of fit Brooks (or even Benson) and a few others will be an absolute necessity if we are to hold our own... back up in the Prem.

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Peterx added 12:05 - Jan 26 I think he would fit right into the way we play.
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