With the transfer window entering it's last couple of weeks it is starting to move again, Saints are being linked with a move for a Manchester united midfielder, but if they are shopping at the Old Trafford megastore there are perhaps two other names they should be in for first.

Saints are being linked with a move for Manchester United's James Garner, his was a name that the club were linked with back at the start of the transfer window, but since they we have brought in two central midfielders in Romeo Lavia for the holding role and also Joe Aribo in a more attacking position.

Garner who spent last season at Nottingham Forest is essentially a holding central midfielder, so the big question would be why we are being linked with a player in that position, the only answer is that his agent is trying to stir up interest.

But if we are going to shop at Old Trafford then there are perhaps two players that we should be looking at, the first is Phil Jones, we are crying out for an experienced leader in the centre of defence and Jones would fit that bill.

Still only 30 and with only a year left on his contract, he was on the United bench 20 times in the Premier League last season without playing, although he did start 2 games plus another 2 off the bench. He was fit and raring to go last season, he just couldn't get in the team, however he could be just the man we need in our side

He would be available at a very cheap rate , possibly on a free transfer for his service to United, wages surely would not be an issue if he want to play football.

The other is Brandon Williams who despite being linked with a move to St Mary's in virtually every transfer window for the last two years hasn't featured strongly in this one.

He spent last season on loan at Norwich City and this season has not featured in the United squad and looks set to leave Old Trafford, given that Tino Livramento could be out until at least January possibly longer getting Williams in on a loan deal could be a way of securing our left flank with a genuine defender able to also play as wing back.

So James Garner is not the man for Saints, but Ralph Hasenhuttl could do worse than pop up to Old Trafford and come back with Phil Jones and Brandon Williams, sometimes it not about getting the best players it is about getting the right players.

Photo: Action Images

simianmike added 16:31 - Aug 15 Its quite tricky taking someone seriously who think Phil Jones is the answer to any problem a premier league team might have. Even at the height of his career he was a player whose kamikaze defending was all that rescued him from his disastrous positional play. Having started 4 games in the last 3 years he is a long way from that peak.
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Colburn added 16:43 - Aug 15 This just shows how little you know about Garner.. I think he's a fantastic player and I'm amazed he hasn't been used by Utd yet as he's better than what they have been using.. Ask any real Utd fan and they will only have praise for Garner. Yes kin please!
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Colburn added 16:45 - Aug 15 Phil Jones...? You're having a laugh... Have you been in a coma the last 5 years? Williams maybe a good move but Jones... Oh dear
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felly1 added 16:58 - Aug 15 Man Utds defence is frankly comical at the moment and you think Phil Jones who can't get in their team is the leader we want? Errr... think you are clutching at straws in desperation!
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StAnt added 17:33 - Aug 15 Wouldn't want either Jones or Williams. Garner looks a good player and with Oriel slowing down I think he'd be useful to us.
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StAnt added 17:55 - Aug 15 This James Garner kid oozes class. Just had another look at his skills video and he has got the lot. With Lavia doing well but very young and an ageing Oriel it would be a no brainer to get this guy if we can. He'd be a superb asset and one of the first names on the teasmsheet. How Man Utd can play the likes of McTominay and Fred in front of him I just do not know.
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Block8 added 18:20 - Aug 15 Is this as well as a striker and centre half? If so why not but if it deflects money from where it is needed a bit more, then no thanks!
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SanMarco added 22:25 - Aug 15 No mention of the Rockford Files. I think Jones is the right age but falls down on quality. This semi-mythical organiser of the back line does have to be good enough to merit a place in the team.
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Ifonly added 09:31 - Aug 16 Garner: yes please (sell Diallo) Jones: no thanks (injury prone and not the organiser you want) Williams: get him on loan but not permanent
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DellBoyWally added 12:41 - Aug 16 I recall similar comments about Gary Cahill. He ended going to Crystal Palace whose defence went from conceding 62 with GD of -16 (Saints 68 and -21) to conceding 46 with GD of +4 (Saints 68 and -21) He then went to Bournemouth and helped them get promotion I read a review about Jones (not my favourite by any means) and he outscored all his team-mates when he played and was twice highest scored from all players on the pitch. So not exactly the dummy people claim. James Garner? I can't get past the Great Escape!! Williams I feel is over-rated

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