Southampton are reportedly eyeing a new central defender in the January transfer window, and could even recall Jan Bednarek from his loan spell at Aston Villa.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

Boxing Day's 3-1 loss at home to Brighton and Hove Albion left the Saints rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table and in desperate need of reinforcements going into January.

It has already been reported that they will be looking at signing a winger and a striker, but they will also have to look at other positions in order to help keep them in the league come the end of the season, particularly given some of the calamitous defending against the Seagulls.

The Latest: Centre-back eyed

Taking to Twitter, The Daily Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath has revealed that Nathan Jones' side are also 'in the market' for a centre-back, and could recall Bednarek from his loan at Villa Park:

"Southampton are in the market for a centre-back during the transfer window and will assess options including players available on the market or recalling Jan Bednarek from Aston Villa loan."

The Verdict: Needed

The St. Mary's outfit have now conceded 30 goals in 16 games in the top flight, the third-most in the division, and are in desperate need of strengthening their defence as well as their attack.

Bednarek has only made a mere two appearances for Villa all season, but for the Saints last term, he was their fifth-best performer in the Premier League, with none of his team-mates averaging more interceptions, clearances or blocks per game than him (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, given that he knows the club already, recalling him may not be the worst idea ahead of a crucial second part of the campaign.