Claude Puel’s Southampton suffered three defeats in six days over the festive period to put a dent in their aspirations of replicating last season’s sixth place finish in the Premier League.

The Saints were just six points behind Manchester United in sixth following their 3-1 victory at South Coast rivals Bournemouth on December 18, but losses to Tottenham, West Brom, and Everton have seen Puel’s men fall 15 points behind the Red Devils.

It also means that they have fallen to tenth in the Premier League table following their wretched run, but they can at least turn their attentions away from the league this weekend when they travel to Norwich in the third round of the FA Cup.

Southampton have won six of their 20 league matches this season, but their tally of 19 goals scored is the least of the top 15 top-flight sides, and will need improving in the second half of the season to sustain a top half finish.

Nonetheless, the Saints are still well-placed to achieve a fourth successive top ten finish in the Premier League, but Puel may need more reinforcements in January to keep his side in the top half.

Thus, here are TWO players that will make Southampton’s season should they sign at St Mary’s this month…

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.

Daniel Sturridge

Charlie Austin’s long-term injury has plunged Southampton into striking turmoil, with Jay Rodriguez and Shane Long their only fit forwards, and having netted just four times between them in the league thus far.

Although Puel has attempted to mould Nathan Redmond into the role as well, it hasn’t always worked and, given that their tally of 19 goals scored is the least of any side in the top 15 of the Premier League, more firepower is needed in January.

One man that should be on their radar is Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge, who has struggled to nail down a first team place at Anfield this season.

The England international has started just five times for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season, but has netted two Premier League goals in that time, the latest of which coming in their 2-2 draw at Sunderland on Monday.

Although he has featured more in recent weeks, Sturridge could be open to a move away from Merseyside in January, and the guarantee of first team football at Southampton could be too good an offer to turn down.