SAINTS are being linked with a January transfer window loan swoop for England midfielder Joe Cole.

The manager nurtured Cole's talent during his time as West Ham manager, and is unsurprisingly being touted as keen to bring him to St Mary's when the window opens next month.

Cole, 23, has not played in the Premiership for Chelsea since being substituted at half-time in the 4-1 win at West Brom at the end of October.

It is believed Chelsea were willing to offer Cole on a season-long loan back in August but potential suitors were scared off by his £1m a year wages.

SAINTS striker Arron Davies has gone on trial at League Two promotion challengers Yeovil Town.

The Welshman, 20, played for the Glovers' reserves during a 4-1 win against Bristol Rovers' second string on Monday.

Under Gordon Strachan, Davies featured in pre-season friendlies against Millwall and Parma in August 2003 but has been unable to win a regular place in the squad since.

Last season he made his League debut on loan at Barnsley, and his name was circulated for another loan last summer.

Though he scored twice in pre-season wins against Forest Green and Basingstoke Town, there were no takers.