PREPARATIONS for the second January transfer window under owners Sport Republic are under way with the Premier League also returning this month.

Saints will resume domestic action with the EFL Cup on Wednesday, December 21, and then host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Boxing Day.

When that clash comes around, it will be under a week until winter trading can resume and, with Saints in the bottom three, it could be busy.

When is the window open?

The January transfer window will open on Sunday, January 1 2023, and clubs in the Premier League, EFL and Scotland will all be able to begin making transfers from that date. 

It is the same for clubs in France and Germany, but the opening date differs for those in Italy and Spain. They will have to wait a day longer than the majority of Europe to sign their players. 

The January transfer window will then close on Tuesday, January 31 2023, with British clubs seeing their deadline set as 11PM - as well as Spain.

This deadline day is the same for all major leagues in Europe, including the Premier League, EFL, WSL and Scottish leagues, however, cut-off times do vary. 

Scottish leagues will be able to make transfers up until 11:59PM, in Germany the window will close at 5PM and in France, it will also be 11:59PM. 

What business do Saints want/need to do?

The World Cup has unfortunately displayed just what Saints missed out on with failed summer deals for Goncalo Ramos and Cody Gakpo.

The young pair both have three goals for their countries, Portugal and the Netherlands, in the tournament so far and have massively increased their stock.

Saints still need the striker that former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl wanted back in August if they are to mount a survival charge under new boss Nathan Jones.

They could also review their options in attacking midfield, with Moi Elyounoussi’s current contract coming to an end next summer.

However, Sport Republic have been honest about the budget and it will not be huge – Jones will largely have to work with what he has got.

The lower half of the pitch is relatively set for Jones with Mohammed Salisu and Armel Bella-Kotchap still yet to link back up with the squad after their Qatar exploits.

Jones will also have a decision to make on Nathan Tella, who has been enjoying a loan spell at Championship leaders Burnley with six goals to his name.

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