MANAGER Ivan Juric admitted he wants to keep Chelsea loanee Lesley Ugochukwu despite Southampton's need to reduce the squad.

Ugochukwu, 20, did not feature in former boss Russell Martin's final four Premier League games but has found himself back in the fold under Juric.

The Frenchman has played in all three games since his appointment and Juric confessed they missed his presence in midfield after he dropped to the bench at Palace.

"I want him to stay here," Juric insisted while previewing his side's Premier League fixture against Brentford on Saturday.

"He has great potential. The people from Chelsea are not stupid. He is a really young guy, 20 years old and it's not always easy to work with youngsters. I think he has really good potential."

Premier League clubs are only permitted to sign two domestic loans. Southampton are currently using both of their slots with Maxwel Cornet also at the club from West Ham.

Maxwel Cornet has only played 187 minutes for Saints this season. (Image: Stuart Martin)The Ivory Coast international has not played since his substitute appearance in the Carabao Cup against Stoke City on October 29.

Southampton and West Ham do hold an option to cancel the 28 year old's loan should both parties agree.

The former Burnley man has only managed four appearances across all competitions and was last named in a squad against Chelsea in December.

Juric opened the door for Cornet's loan to be terminated: "Yes, that's the idea that he goes back to West Ham."

The Croatian manager named Ugochukwu when asked about Southampton players who have been boosted by the managerial change.

"He didn't play before and now he is playing and I think he has great potential," he explained. "We have others that can do it much better than before.

"Kamaldeen Sulemana is another example. I think Bella-Kotchap is working hard but he is not yet ready.

"I think we have to use everybody and try to work with everybody and they can give us something. Lesley and Sulemana are good players."