Southampton hold 'interest' in signing Chelsea youngster Silko Thomas as they look to add a right-back in the January window, transfer insider Dean Jones has informed GIVEMESPORT.

Nathan Jones has already been active this month as he looks to lift his struggling side away from relegation trouble, bringing in Carlos Alcaraz and Mislav Oric from Racing Club and Dinamo Zagreb, respectively.

Southampton transfer news - Silko Thomas?

Recently, The Sun reported that Southampton are interested in signing 18-year-old Thomas, who is capable of playing as a wing-back or on the right flank.

The youngster has 'caught the eye' of several clubs and could be available to land on a free transfer at the end of the season, with his contract in West London being due to expire in the summer of 2023.

Sky Bet Championship side Sheffield United are believed to be keen on bringing in Thomas and was on trial at Bramall Lane previously, featuring in an under-21 fixture for the Blades as a winger.

Paul Heckingbottom is said to be 'open' to enticing the Chelsea ace to Sheffield United, giving some competition to the Saints in their pursuit.

Of course, Southampton have a good track record of turning young players on the periphery at elite clubs into first-team regulars at St Mary's, with Tino Livramento and Gavin Bazunu being two examples in the last 18 months.

What has Dean Jones said about Silko Thomas?

Transfer insider Jones has said that Southampton are definitely interested in Thomas; however, has been quick to warn supporters that he would be brought in as a developmental signing rather than being immediately seen as a first-team asset.

Jones told GMS: "Right back too is a possibility - there's interest in a player called Silko Thomas and that suggests we could see them go into the market in that area. Again, if you're talking about a name like him, then it's a developing player rather than a player that's ready to go."

Would Thomas be a good addition for the future at St Mary's?

In the grand scheme of things, Southampton adding another young talent into the mix at St Mary's can only be a good sign going forward.

Possessing room for growth and sell-on value, Thomas would be an intelligent piece of business for the club, especially at a cut-price fee or on a free transfer at the end of this term.

In 2022/23, the 18-year-old has made eight appearances for Chelsea's development squad across their involvement in the Premier League 2 and UEFA Youth League, as per Transfermarkt.

Thomas has only made one appearance in senior football so far in his career, coming on as a substitute for the Blues' second string in a penalty shoot-out defeat against Cheltenham Town in the EFL Trophy back in October 2021.

Should he move to Southampton, first-team football will be a factor worth considering to accelerate his growth as a player, whether on the South Coast or by sending him out on loan for some experience.