According to reports Saints have agreed a loan deal to take midfielder Joe Rothwell on loan from AFC Bournemouth, although it is hard to see where he will slot into our midfield as it stands at the moment.

Southampton have agreed to take Joe Rothwell for the rest of the season on loan according to The Daily Echo, although it is understood that there is no option to buy included.

So who is Joe Rothwell ? that is the first question Saints supporters will be asking.

Well he started his career at Manchester United although he failed to make a first team appearance at Old Trafford, after two loan spells, firstly at Blackpool then Barnsley in 2015, he turned down a new contract and opted to join Oxford United in 2016.

He would spent 2 seasons there and then returned North to join Blackburn Rovers where he was a virtual ever present in their side in the Championship for 4 seasons.

In the summer of 2022 having turned down a new contract he joined Bournemouth on a free transfer.

In his first season he made 20 appearances in the Premier League, but this term after starting the opening 3 games opportunities have been limited since then he has made just 8 other outings off the bench, being an unused sub in all of the other games up to the new year, his last appearance from the bench being on 23rd December at Nottingham Forest.

But it is hard to see where Rothwell who turned 29 a few days ago will fit into Russell Martin's plans, he is predominantly a central midfielder and Saints are well served in that department, although he has also played out wide, although this seems to be only occasionally.

So with Saints well served by Flynn Downes, Will Smallbone, Stuart Armstrong and Ray Charles in these positions, not to mention Joe Aribo can also slot in where will he offer anything better than what we have.

Certainly he will offer some experience, but is he better than what we have otherwise, I would say no, but another experienced head in the side can't be turned down.

Some Southampton supporters will be up in arms saying we need a striker and a winger, they would be right, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't sign players in other positions should they become available

Photo: Action Images

derbydog added 21:21 - Jan 14 Ray Charles in midfield? We need someone with better vision…
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SaintNick added 22:53 - Jan 14 Very true
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AgrellaSFC added 07:33 - Jan 15 Jack Stephens has been rather confused as Ray Charles keeps telling him to hit the road... I'll see myself out. But I agree with this player adding nothing to our ranks.
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Flamingbankers added 10:35 - Jan 15 Watch the guy on YouTube: he's very skilful, makes surging direct runs - so we don't have this type of player - however his end product cross or shot seemed to be a bit lacking at times. Judge for yourself - with his experience, and potential, I think he'll be a great acquisition, as long as he remains fit of course.
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SaintPaulVW added 12:34 - Jan 15 Seems odd to add a player in a position where we have a lot of competition Alcaraz/Aribo/Stu now Dibling. Plenty of playing time is usually the main driver for loans. Can only think this is the Tella replacement that RM was on about in his press conference? But wrong position?
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LoisDeem added 12:47 - Jan 15 With only so many slots available for loans and even full signings, this looks like one just to placate or confuse the fanbase. Another one I don't get. Maybe he's just come to keep his mate company. Hope we've got more room for more goal productivity, even though we seem to have addressed this more recently with the 'Thornhill Streak' -we do love a local reference.
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Bowlercow added 13:33 - Jan 15 I think he is an OK signing but will he preven youngsters like Dibling getting their chance
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Monksway added 16:28 - Jan 15 I thought he was more an alternative for Smallbone rather than Stu Armstrong or Charlie Alcatraz. But it does raise a question over the number of loans and Aribo's role going forward. Does Aribo become the Tella alternative on the right? Not an obvious fit but I'm not sure that a midfield of Downes, Aribo and Stu. A makes best use of Aribo.
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