Claude Puel is embarking on his first season in English football, having taken over from Ronald Koeman as Southampton manager in the summer.

The Frenchman, although he didn’t win any of his first four Premier League matches in charge at St Mary’s, has begun to make his mark on the team, and oversaw a seven-match unbeaten run before a 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan two weeks ago.

Their defeat at home to Chelsea on Sunday was their first home loss of the season, and they will go into their return match against Inter on Thursday hoping to bounce back in both league and Europe.

The Saints haven’t won in four in all competitions, but did pick up a credible draw at Manchester City a few weeks back, and are playing well enough to replicate their solid performance at the Etihad against Inter on Thursday.

As Puel looks to stamp his authority on the team, he may consider reinforcing his squad in January as they look to continue their European exploits, and also attempt to match last season’s sixth place finish in the Premier League.

Thus, here are THREE midfielders they should look to sign in January…

Juanpi

This is a transfer that could very much happen in the New Year.

The Saints have already been linked with a January move for Malaga winger Juanpi, who came through the youth system at Malaga prior to his senior debut in 2014.

It was last season where he really made his mark though, appearing 30 times for the Spanish side and netting four goals.

However, Malaga are attempting to tie the 22-year-old down to a new deal at La Rosaleda, which could force Southampton to pay more than the reported £18 million they were looking to spend on the 22-year-old.

Southampton’s attacking options are very strong, but given that they could be in four competitions come January, Puel needs a strong squad, so signing Juanpi could be a shrewd investment for a player who has got real potential.

Yunus Malli

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-BP1d52-U8

Puel may feel that his midfield area needs bolstering in January, such are the demands of the different competitions, and has been linked with a move for 24-year-old Yunus Malli.

The Turkish international has rose to prominence in the last few years, none more so than last season where, for current club Mainz, the midfielder scored 11 goals in 36 appearances for the German side.

His start to this campaign has reinforced his potential, having netted five goals in ten matches, and he is likely to attract much interest as the January window nearers.

Tottenham were linked with Malli in the summer, which suggests that Southampton may have to act quickly when January comes around to get their man.

Hatem Ben Arfa

Puel worked with former Newcastle and Hull winger Hatem Ben Arfa at Nice last season, and has been one of a few managers who has got the best out of the Frenchman.

He joined Nice in January 2015 but had to wait until the following season to play for the French side, given that he had already played for Newcastle and Hull in the same season.

Nevertheless, he went on to score 18 goals in 37 appearances for Puel’s side last season – his most prolific season by some distance – but, since his move to Paris Saint-Germain, he hasn’t been able to reproduce that form, and may seek a move in January as his first team chances appear restricted.

Southampton could make a move in January and, if Puel can get the best out of Ben Arfa again at St Mary’s, it’s a move Saints fans would likely welcome with open arms.