Southampton man to return early from EFL loan spell
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Cheltenham Town loanee Lewis Payne is set for a return to Southampton, as per a report by GloucestershireLive.
Cheltenham Town brought in the defender on a temporary basis last summer following their relegation from League One. They dropped into the fourth tier after finishing in the bottom four along with Fleetwood Town, Port Vale and Carlisle United.
Payne, 20, has made 22 appearances in all competitions for the Robins this season, 16 of which have come in the league. He is due to spend the whole campaign with Michael Flynn’s side.
However, in this latest update regarding his situation by GloucestershireLive, the youngster is poised to head back early to his parent club. The Saints will have a decision to make on what to do with him next between now and the end of the January transfer window.
Cheltenham Town are currently sat in 13th place in the table and are nine points off the play-offs.
Cheltenham Town’s Lewis Payne to return to Southampton
The Robins landed Payne to boost their defensive ranks and get more competition and depth at the back.
He was given the green to light to head out the exit door by Southampton to get some experience under his belt.
After signing him, Flynn said at the time, as per BBC Sport: “I watched Lewis a lot last year when he was at Newport and I’ve looked at him when I’ve been at other clubs as well.
“Lewis is someone who is very good technically, coming from what is now a Premier League club who have got a very good academy.”
Payne has risen up through the academy at Southampton and has been a regular for the Premier League side at various different youth levels.
The prospect has played once for the Saints’ first-team so far in his career.
He was loaned out for the first time to Eastleigh in the National League to boost his development.
Payne then linked up with Newport County last term and played 41 matches for the Exiles altogether, chipping in with two goals and five assists.
What now for Cheltenham Town loanee?
It remains to be seen what Southampton plan to do with the player now.
His contract expires in late June and he is due to leave permanently right now if he doesn’t pen an extension anytime soon.
Cheltenham Town are back in league action this weekend on Friday against Harrogate Town.
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