SAINTS have confirmed their third signing of the January transfer window, bringing in James Bree from Luton Town on a three-and-a-half year deal.

The full-back follows Mislav Orsic and Charly Alcaraz through the doors at St Mary’s this month and will help bolster Nathan Jones’s injury-riddled defence.

The need for increased depth at full-back comes with Tino Livramento working his way back from the serious knee injury and Juan Larios out of action with a hamstring problem.

READ MORE: Talented academy graduate signs new long-term Saints contract

Having moved to Luton from Aston Villa in 2019, Bree went on to make 143 appearances for the Hatters, many under current Saints boss Jones during his second spell at Kenilworth Road.

"I'm absolutely delighted," Bree said after the move was finalised. 

"As soon as I had the chance to come to this huge club, a Premier League opportunity for myself as well, and obviously get to work with my old gaffer, I knew it was the right decision straight away and I didn't have to think twice about it.

"It's something I've dreamed of since I was a little kid, making my Premier League debut, and obviously for a team as big as Southampton. It's something you dare to dream about.”

Commenting on the move to sign his former player, Jones said: “James is obviously someone who I know well from our time together at Luton, and he has the qualities both on the pitch and also in terms of his character to help us here.

“While we have really talented players in the full-back positions, we have been lighter on numbers than we would have liked, so the addition of James to the squad really helps us to address that. He’s also comfortable playing at centre-back too, so that versatility helps gives us another good option in a number of areas.”

Saturday's FA Cup fourth round clash with Blackpool will come too soon for the newest Saints addition.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.