Nathan Jones could be set to dip back into the Championship for a dream Southampton transfer, although he might have to wait until the summer…
What’s the latest?
As per journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to TEAMtalk, Middlesborough’s Isaiah Jones is of interest to the Saints.
Bailey claimed: “No Middlesbrough player has benefited more from Michael Carrick’s appointment than Isaiah Jones.
"Carrick has switched him to right midfield from right back. And I am told that he is impressing a lot of clubs.
“He was already on the radar of the likes of Crystal Palace and West Ham. But now others are keen too including the likes of Wolves, Leicester and Southampton. But they can forget about a January raid.
“Boro’s play-off hopes have been reignited and Carrick is going to be backed. Which means they won’t be selling one of their prized assets.”
He’s a dream
Although the 23-year-old has a strict hands-off policy until next summer, that does not prohibit Jones and his staff from admiring the youngster from afar.
This season Jones boasts three goals and three assists and seems set to hit a goal-contribution tally akin to last season’s ten.
These mark incredibly consistent numbers for someone so young, who clearly is already showing positional dexterity beyond his years.
Last season, he featured at least once in right midfield, left midfield, attacking midfield, left and right-wing and as a centre forward.
To bring him to St Mary’s, the new boss could truly mould the youngster into any kind of player he wants him to be.
His pedigree is already so high that even Wayne Rooney joined in with the praise, as his Derby County side fell victim to a fine Jones performance.
He showered him with the following praise: “He’s a very good player.
“The lad has a bright future ahead of him and it was because of Jones that we felt we had to set up differently.
“We knew he’s very aggressive going forward and thought we could utilise the space behind but obviously that didn’t happen.”
With all the attributes to succeed at the top level, the south coast outfit could swoop in should Boro not find themselves in the playoffs.
It would mark a fine coup for Nathan Jones, who would land a dream signing due to the talent and malleability of the speedster.