WHITES manager Dougie Freedman admits he may look to the loan market to add to his midfield options due to the long-term absence of Mark Davies, and says Fulham youngster Kerim Frei is a player he admires.
Freedman would not be drawn on national newspaper speculation yesterday linking the 19-year-old Turkish star – who faced Wanderers while on loan at Cardiff in Freedman’s first match in charge – with a move to the Reebok, but does believe he is a talent.
The boss did, however, rubbish talk of a move for Manchester City wide man Scott Sinclair after similar rumours of interest arose at the weekend.
And with Steve de Ridder returning to Southampton after just three appearances on loan, there is space to strengthen.
Freedman said: “I would look at the loan market but I don’t like to get bodies in for the sake of it.
“I have got names in mind but they may not all happen at the right time so we may have to be a bit patient.
“We have a strong squad but I do think they need some help because of the tough programme.
“If you could get Scott Sinclair it would be fantastic and a brilliant idea, but it is paper talk.
“I heard the rumour myself on Sunday and I nearly crashed the car.
“There is nothing in that; it is just rumours.
“Meanwhile, Kerim Frei is a very good player who I admire.”
Freedman admits the De Ridder switch didn’t see the 26-year-old get as much action as both the player or Wanderers hoped, but insists it was more the recent switch in formation rather than his form that led to a disappointing month for the Saints star.
The Scot added: “We had Steve de Ridder here and it was very unfortunate for him that we changed the way we played in the last two or three weeks and the different formation didn’t require wingers.
“He has gone back now and both parties are disappointed he didn’t play as much as he’d have liked to.
“I think he showed quality but going back means it opens the door for one or two young players here as well.
“I am not afraid to put young players in there and there may be a couple on the bench tonight – at least one.”
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