#PLStories- Southampton manager Nathan Jones reveals conversations with Jan Bednarek and loanees #SAINTSFC

NATHAN Jones reveals he has held conversations with Jan Bednarek and every Saints player out on loan, but remained coy on the possibility of bringing the Pole back. The 26-year-old central defender currently remains out on loan at upcoming opponents Aston Villa after a deadline day exit during the summer transfer window. Bednarek, who is unavailable to face his parent side when Villa visit St Mary’s on Saturday, has made just one start for the Midlands outfit – and he was hauled off at half-time in that. Reports at the start of the January window had suggested recalling Bednarek was an option considered by Jones, as he looked to strengthen his centre-back options. He has refused to confirm or deny the suggestion, and, following the impressive emergence of Duje Caleta-Car after Armel Bella-Kotchap’s injury, Jones was asked again. “What we have to do is come out of this window stronger than we went into it and that has to be the essence every single transfer window. That's what we have to do,” he said. “The squad has to improve every single window. That's what recruitment is. You never go backwards, you never stagnate. “If something comes available that improves us significantly and fits in with the model here and the financial balances and everything then we will do it. But the key thing is that we improve on every level coming out of this window.” Jones continued: “I’ve spoken to everyone who is on loan here, whether that’s Jack Stephens (AFC Bournemouth), Jan Bednarek, Nathan Tella (Burnley), Will Smallbone (Stoke City), everyone who is out on loan I have spoken to. “We know what we want to do and what’s the plan for those, and if something we feel can strengthen us via a recall or whatever it is then fine, we will do that. “It’s just about making sure we are stronger on the first of February than we were on the first of January.” A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.