Charlton Athletic closing in on deal to sign Southampton player that Nathan Jones knows well | OneFootball

The Welsh boss has worked with this player plenty of times before.

Charlton Athletic are likely to sign Southampton defender James Bree before the transfer window shuts this evening.

Nathan Jones is looking to bring an old friend of his in Bree back under his wing by signing the full-back before 7pm this evening. According to Southampton reporter Alfie House, a deal that would see the 27-year-old reunite with his former boss is now looking likely.

Bree hasn't played at all for Will Still this season. The loan signing of former Danish international Elias Jelert has pushed the former Luton Town player even further down the pecking order. Jelert's presence not only limits Bree's chance of minutes at St Mary's even further, but also gives the Saints sufficient depth to allow him to leave.

He is into the final year of his contract. At the moment, it's unclear whether the Addicks are making a temporary or permanent move for the defensive option, but his deal with the Saints would suggest that they'd be looking to sell him.

Charlton Athletic make move for Southampton defender James Bree

A deal between the two sides is by no means agreed, as per House. Details are still to be worked on, but things certainly appear to be moving in the right direction.

Should everything work out, this would be the third time that Jones has signed Bree in his managerial career. The defender's move to Kenilworth Road from Aston Villa was completed in the Welsh boss' first summer window with the club, and when Jones was appointed by Southampton, Bree quickly followed.

In the player's one full campaign under the manager - the 2021/22 season - he started 42 of Luton's 46 league matches, registering six assists in that time.

Kayne Ramsay has been the right-back of choice for Jones so far this season. The 24-year-old has started all of Charlton's Championship contests, but his position in the starting XI could very much be threatened by Bree.

James Bree's move to Charlton Athletic makes sense on all fronts

For Southampton, this is an obvious sale to make, if it does turn out to be a permanent switch for one of Jones' favourites.

With less than 12 months left on his current deal and little prospect of becoming a mainstay in Still's squad, any return that they can make from their £750,000 signing in January 2023 would be a bonus compared to him walking away for nothing next summer - the most likely alternative outcome.

On the other side of the deal, Charlton get to add further experience to a defence that hasn't quite maintained its reputation in League One of being clean sheet savants. Further competition for spots is no bad thing, especially when you face the challenge that the Addicks have of trying to remain a Championship club beyond this season.