![Saints must win race for Williams after Newcastle join hunt [Opinion]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.dave.sport%2Freadsouthampton%2F2020%2F12%2F1279195696-scaled.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Manchester United left-back Brandon Williams is likely to be made available for loan in the January window.
That’s according to The Chronicle, who claim that Newcastle United are keen on a deal which would see the 20-year-old move to St James’ Park for the second half of the season.
Southampton are also interested in the defender, with Ralph Hasenhuttl reportedly viewing Williams as a defender who can challenge both of the Saints’ current first-choice full-backs.
Williams, who was thought to be open to a temporary St Mary’s switch over the summer, made his first Premier League appearance of the campaign in United’s late win over the Saints last weekend.
We feel as if Southampton need to secure the services of Williams next month to boost their chances of a strong end of season finish.
Hasenhuttl has relied heavily on Ryan Bertrand and Kyle Walker-Peters on either defensive flank so far this season.
Walker-Peters has started every league game this season, whereas Bertrand has missed just one top-flight fixture.
Hasenhutll played Jack Stephens out of position at left-back against Newcastle last month in Bertrand’s absence, deciding against using young full-backs Jake Vokins and Yan Valery.
The Austrian clearly wants another option at full-back, and Williams would provide that. Pipping the Magpies to a deal would also hand a Premier League rival a transfer blow, which can only be a good thing when it comes to the Saints’ end of season targets.
Williams has already racked up 40 senior appearances for the Red Devils, and you never know, if he joins and impresses, the Saints could be in with a chance of signing the player permanently, similar to what they did with Walker-Peters.
