Championship club urged to secure Southampton's shrewd loan recruit | OneFootball

Southampton's shrewd signing Joe Rothwell has successfully replicated his last season's performances at Leeds United. As a result, David Prutton has urged Leeds to involve him as part of their long-term plans.

Southampton's competitive rivalry with Bournemouth is one of the most well-known derby duels in English football. Despite that, the two clubs have always maintained a friendly stance in terms of transfers regardless of their on-field ambitions to claim the upper hand on the other one.

Consequently, a significant chunk of the Southampton squad consists of former Cherries' stalwarts and the number could have been even bigger if not for some loan deals. Last year, the Saints onboarded two Bournemouth players on short-term contracts and it's wise to conclude that the duo stood up to the St. Mary's expectations.

Among them, David Brooks earned his deserved Southampton recognition but his teammate Joe Rothwell mostly went as an underrated Saint. The club initially added Joe to bolster their midfield ranks and provide a good backup cover for experienced players like Stuart Armstrong.

Without a doubt, the 30-year-old excelled in his responsibilities and his added goalscoring knack helped Southampton secure some valuable points in the Championship. Still, his Saints career had to be cut short after only half a season because the two clubs didn't reach a common negotiating ground.

Joe Rothwell in line for back-to-back Championship promotions

Nonetheless, this failed move didn't hinder Joe and the defence-minded midfielder is currently starring for Leeds United in the second division again. Similar to the previous campaign, Joe is eyeing a promotion win but this time he seems more inclined to reap the rewards of reaching the Premier League as well.

Recently, accomplished Championship icon David Prutton has insisted Leeds reward Joe with a permanent spot in their squad for the upcoming seasons. In his own words, Prutton said to Football League World: "The experience that he's shows, that smattering of Premier League experience, could bode well if they were to sign him permanently if they go up."

Though Joe's potential has been on full show in the past couple of years, every Saint admits that Southampton could have benefited from the former's rich vein of form had they signed him earlier.

Anyway, let's hope Joe enjoys a decent Premier League run as well in the coming years.