Southampton are probably at their worst currently in the Premier League. Claude Puel’s men have lost four matches on the trot now and after spending a good number of weeks in the top half of the league, they are now in 13th position.
The Saints, who started the season with one of their targets being a qualification for the knockout stages of the Europa Cup campaign, are now just four points and position above the relegation zone, and the way they are going, surviving the relegation might well be their primary target in the second half of the season.
The team that boasted of allowing their opponents the least number of shots on target, has let in 10 goals in their last four matches, scoring only thrice. And with former skipper Jose Fonte now completing his move to West Ham United, there is a big gap for Puel to fill at the back.
And according to reports, Southampton are ready to table a bid for Barnsley right-back James Bree. The defender has been long monitored by the Saints and they are understood have the ability to meet his valuation. Bree has attracted interests from a string of clubs in England’s top two divisions, and Aston Villa are also one of his prime suitors.
The current valuation for the 19-year-old is £4m, which both the clubs are willing to pay and Southampton’s Premier League stature will definitely give them the edge in his chase. However, it is no secret that Bree has a better chance of getting a first team action at Villa who are without Ritchie de Laet for the rest of the season and Alan Hutton’s contracting expiring in June.
Compared to that, Southampton have the likes of the talented Cedric Soares and Cuco Martina to tackle the right-back’s position and Bree would have to fight for a first team spot. Bree has played 18 times for Barnsley this season so far and has registered three assists.
A Barnsley academy product, Bree broke into the first team in the 2014-15 season and has established himself as one of the most important players of the team since then. Southampton are out of the EFL Cup and Europa Cup campaign and the FA Cup remains their only real hope, where they next face Arsenal in the 4h round.
Given how Puel is a fan of squad rotation, Bree might well get his start soon enough. Southampton plays the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham United in their next five games, and Puel needs a good squad depth to absorb the pressure. It looks imperative for Southampton that they beat Aston Villa to the signature of this Championship star.
