2 January signings that will make Southampton’s season

Fabian Schar

With the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Jose Fonte linked with moves away from Southampton this month, Puel will quite simply need to strengthen his central defensive options.

So a bid for 25-year-old Hoffenheim defender Fabian Schar could be on the horizon.

The Swiss international had an excellent European Championships with his country last year, with his goal and man-of-the-match display against Albania the catalyst for his side’s run to the last 16, where they were knocked out on penalties by Poland.

A shut-out against beaten finalists France also showcased Schar’s capabilities in the centre of defence, yet he has been restricted to just three starts in the Bundesliga this season.

Nonetheless, the 25-year-old is clearly a very capable defender, and reports suggest that both Southampton and West Brom are closely monitoring Schar’s situation at the German club.

A January move could be in the offing for the Swiss defender, and St Mary’s could be the ideal destination to get his career going again.