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As soon as Nathan Jones was appointed Southampton manager, it was always a possibility that he would raid his old club.
James Bree, the talented 25-year-old right back is once again linked with the Premier League. Unfortunately, due to his contract situation, it looks a real possibility Luton will lose Bree this window. According to Alex Crook on Twitter, an accomplished journalist, our starting right back is out of contract this summer.
A few days ago, Fulham were linked with Bree, although he was a long way down on their list of targets. Now, Southampton appear to have made Bree the main target for the right back position, due to Tino Livramento's setback in recovering from his ACL injury, unrelated to his initial injury. Livramento was very impressive in the early half of last season, but has suffered a major injury, so Southampton have turned to one of the best full backs in the Championship in Bree to fill the void.
It is unlikely the former Barnsley and Villa right-back will be first choice, as Kyle Walker-Peters is Southampton's current starting right-back. However, his versatility could prove useful, with Bree being able to play at centre back and right wing back. Walker-Peters could also shift to the left back spot to allow Bree to play on the right, which he has done twice this season. Still, it is likely Bree would be brought as a player to rotate with Walker-Peters.
This rumour has a lot of credibility, as it has been reported by Jacob Tanswell from The Athletic, as well as Mark Wyatt from Hampshire Live. These reports have been further corroborated by Southampton fan and TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook. It would be a huge shame to lose Bree, as he has been one of the most important players for Luton over the last few seasons. He has 2 goals and 19 assists in 140 games for the Championship outfit, and this season he has started every single Championship game, which is an incredible achievement, and highlights his reliability and work ethic,
Of course, Luton would have to buy a replacement for the departing Bree, as discussed previously on the Oak Road Hatter hub. What's likely in the short term is for Doughty to shift to right-wing back, and Bell to continue in his natural left-wing back role.
By Samuel Roy