Southampton keen on Manchester United youngster Brandon Williams
According to The Telegraph, Southampton are keeping tabs on Manchester United starlet Brandon Williams heading into the January transfer window.
The Saints are keen to take the 20-year-old on loan. Williams was a target for Southampton in the summer as well. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blocked the move.
Ironically, Williams’ only Premier League appearance this season came against Southampton in a six-minute cameo at St Mary’s.
If the Saints have their way, he could be set to play more at the same venue in the coming months. Williams has made just five appearances across all competitions this season for us, with three of them coming from the bench. (h/t Transfermarkt)
The signing of Alex Telles on deadline day earlier in the summer pushed Williams further down the pecking order. With Luke Shaw also ahead of him, playing time has come at a premium.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is keen to bring in competition for Kyle Walker-Peters and Ryan Bertrand. Williams’ ability to play in either full-back position apeals to the Austrian as Southampton push for European qualification.
According to the report, Solskjaer is now open to allowing Williams to spend the second half of the season on loan.
Newcastle United now managed by former Untied skipper Steve Bruce are also keen on Williams. However, a move to Tyneside is dependent on funds being made available to him.
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While Williams remains a promising player, he has shown last season that there is still some way for him to go in regards to development.
That is unlikely to happen if he continues to be denied playing time. A move to Southampton will see him feature on a more regular basis than at Old Trafford. United will do well to seriously consider the move.