CHERRIES midfielder Joe Rothwell stated he was “massively open” to joining Southampton on a permanent basis if the chance arose.

Manchester United academy graduate Rothwell is currently on loan at second-tier Saints, having made the temporary switch across the county border in January.

The former Blackburn Rovers man made the switch in search of more game time, and has gone on to make nine appearances in the Championship for Saints, scoring four times.

Saints have borrowed two players from their Premier League neighbours this campaign, with Welsh international David Brooks also seeing out the season on loan at St Mary’s.

After signing for Cherries as a free agent in the summer of 2022 on a four-year deal, Rothwell has made a total of 35 appearances for the Dorset club.

When asked by sister publication the Southern Daily Echo if he would be open to a permanent switch to Saints, Rothwell responded: "Why not?

"I've really enjoyed my time here.

“If my time at Bournemouth has come and passed, then it's something I'm massively open to.

"But I'm not thinking about that at the minute.

"My main focus is to finish as high as we can and hopefully get into those automatic spots to get this club back to the Premier League."