Goalkeeper, however, is not a position in which Saints need to strengthen. With Niemi and Smith, Saints have two top class keepers, with back-up from Alan Blayney and youngsters Poke and McNeil.
With Niemi nearly moving to Celtic in the summer and Smith looking for first team football, it sets the alarm bells ringing that one of our top keepers will be sold in the transfer window.
However, Zak Jones is only 17 and is hardly likely to be pushing for a first team place anytime soon (although try telling that to Theo Walcott!). He has been unable to get into the Blackburn under 18 side, although he has represented England at U17 level.
He was actually on trial at Saints previously, but the move had not gone through. While this move is all about the academy, it is rare to see players loaned between academies. It is most likely a longer trial with a view to a permanent move to Saints academy.