Southampton are set to sign David Brooks on loan TODAY – pending a medical – as Bournemouth could recall Romain Faivre to replace him after his excellent spell at Lorient

Bournemouth winger David Brooks is joining Southampton on loan pending his medical today. 

He’ll follow his Bournemouth team-mate Joe Rothwell who also moved to Southampton earlier this month on loan. 

Saints will be hoping the pair can help them continue to push for an automatic promotion spot this season, with Russell Martin’s side sitting just a point behind Ipswich in second place and eight points clear of league leaders Leicester.

Brooks had been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2021 but after undergoing 18 months of treatment, was given the all clear in May 2022 and made his return to play for Bournemouth during their 3-0 defeat by Aston Villa in 2023.

The 26-year-old, who has been capped 28 times for the Welsh national side has made 18 appearances for his club, returning three goals and three assists across all competitions.   

And following his move, Unai Emery has stated that ‘the club will need to find a replacement’ 

The Cherries look set to recall Romain Faivre from his loan spell at French side Lorient 

Despite that, he has started in just two Premier League matches under Andoni Iraola and will be keen to get more game time at Southampton.

‘I just want to play first team football,’ he said to the BBC after scoring during Bournemouth’s 5-0 win against Swansea on Thursday. ‘I’ve had a lot of time on the sidelines and I don’t want to continue there.

‘I’d love to continue my football here but it’s up to everyone what they think the best situation is. I’d rather be playing here but if he [Iraola] thinks there isn’t guaranteed football for me here I’ll try and explore opportunities elsewhere.’

The Cherries are to recall Romain Faivre from a loan spell at Lorient too.

It comes after the Spanish manager hinted that they look to bring in a replacement for Brook’s in January. 

After the victory against Swansea, Iraola said: ‘The club has to find a replacement [for Brooks], the financial numbers have to work for everyone. We’ll see what happens. The market is open for one more week.’

Brooks meanwhile admitted that he was hoping to get more game time at Southampton

Bournemouth have also rejected  offers from Leeds and Sheffield United for Chris Mepham (left) 

Faivre has enjoyed an excellent season at the Ligue 1 club having scored five times in 16 starts for the French side.  

Bournemouth have also rejected approaches from Leeds and Sheffield United for Chris Mepham. 

The centre-back’s contract will expire in 2025, after he penned a three-year deal to stay at the club in 2022. 

After making 28 appearances for Bournemouth last season across all competitions, the 26-year-old has struggled to break into Iraola’s side this season, managing just nine appearances so far this season.