SAINTS are reportedly in the market for a centre-back during the January transfer window and could consider recalling Jan Bednarek from his loan spell at Aston Villa.

New manager Nathan Jones has been open and direct about his priority to sort out the defensive record that is limiting Saints this season.

They have conceded 30 goals in 16 Premier League games – only AFC Bournemouth have shipped more – and have registered just one clean sheet in that time.

“We need to defend our box better and give ourselves that little bit of a platform to go on and maybe win again,” he said.

The Telegraph now report that Saints are on the hunt again for a centre-back, despite signing Duje Caleta-Car just months ago from Marseille.

They detail that they will consider their options based on who is available for a January move, and they will also consider recalling Bednarek.

The Polish international joined Villa on loan on deadline day but has failed to make a significant impact with just two appearances and one start in which he was hooked at half-time of a 3-0 defeat.

Bednarek claimed it was "really important for me to move to a bigger club," after sealing the switch on the final day of the window, before opening up on mental struggles last season at Saints. 

Jones started Lyanco over German international Armel Bella-Kotchap in their 3-1 Boxing Day loss to Brighton & Hove Albion and cited sharpness concerns after his World Cup trip.

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