James Bree 'undergoing Southampton medical ahead of £750k move from Luton Town'

Southampton are reportedly closing in on the permanent signing of Luton Town right-back James Bree.

Nathan Jones is keen to strengthen his squad in the final week of the January transfer window, with his side struggling at the bottom of the Premier League table.

The Saints have already recruited attacker Mislav Orsic and midfielder Carlos Alcaraz for a combined fee close to £20m, and they now appear to be on the verge of completing a third signing this month.

According to Football Insider, Southampton have agreed to sign 25-year-old Bree from Championship side Luton for around £750,000.

The report adds that the right-back is scheduled to undergo his medical on Thursday ahead of finalising his transfer to St Mary's.

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Southampton have been searching for a new right-back throughout this month after Valentino Livramento recently suffered an injury setback in his recovery from a long-term knee problem.

Jones has identified Bree, who is out of contract in the summer, as his ideal target having previously worked with the Englishman at Luton between August 2019 and November 2022.

Bree initially joined Luton on loan from Aston Villa before making his move permanent in the summer of 2020, and he has made a total of 143 appearances for the Hatters across all competitions, providing 20 assists.

The former Barnsley youngster failed to make a single Premier League appearance during his brief stint at Aston Villa, but he will be hoping his relationship with Jones will earn him a regular place in Southampton's side as they bid to climb away from danger.

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The arrival of Bree may not be the final addition made to Jones's squad before the January 31 deadline, as Southampton are thought to be interested in recruiting a new attack-minded player.

The Saints were strongly linked with a move for Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson, but he is now set to join fellow Premier League side Bournemouth on a permanent deal.

Other targets have emerged, however, as The Mail claims that Southampton are in talks with Ligue 1 side Rennes over a deal to sign £40m-rated Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana.

The 20-year-old only arrived at Rennes in the summer of 2021, but he has struggled for regular game time this season, starting just two times in the top-flight, and he is said to be open to leaving the French club this month.