Southampton boss Nathan Jones says he wants to “keep” Joe Aribo at St Mary’s despite the midfielder starting just two games since his arrival as manager at the Premier League club.

The Nigerian international made the £6m move from Rangers to the Saints back in the summer but, when asked whether a transfer back to Scotland could be on the cards, Jones replied:

“Joe is someone I want to keep here. I like Joe, Joe is definitely someone I’d like to be here. He’s been a bit unlucky not to play since Palace but that will change.”

Aribo has certainly had a difficult time of things since leaving Ibrox back in July. He has scored twice and provided zero assists in 21 appearances this campaign, having made thirteen starts in total.

The return of Michael Beale to the Gers has led to some suggestions that the Light Blues boss may be keen on reuniting with Aribo, but Jones’ remarks appear to indicate that is unlikely to happen this month.

Recruiting a playmaker is believed to be on the agenda for the Bears, but the club’s focus at the moment seems to be on securing the services of Standard Liege’s Nicolas Raskin.