JAN Poortvliet has moved quickly to bolster his defence following the departure of Andrew Davies by capturing teenage Chelsea defender Jack Cork on-loan.
Saints have reportedly beaten off competition from Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday and SPL outfit Aberdeen to sign the 19 year-old until New Years Day.
England U19 international Cork, the younger son of former Wimbledon player Alan, can play anywhere across the back. He has also been used as a holding midfielder during loan spells with Scunthorpe and Bournemouth.
He spent the last season on loan at Scunthorpe and played in their 1-0 defeat at St Mary's in January.
Cork, who trained with his new team-mates this morning, will wear the number 30 shirt vacated by Youseff Safri.
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