3 top targets Southampton can spend the Chinese money on this summer

Daniel Sturridge

Manolo Gabbiadini has hit the ground running at Southampton since his move from Napoli in the summer, yet you cannot have enough strikers in the squad.

And that’s why Puel could move for Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge in the summer, with the England forward struggling to convince Reds boss Jurgen Klopp of his ability as a striker in his side.

The 27-year-old has managed just five Premier League starts this term, the latest of which coming back on January 2 at Sunderland, and with the likes of Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho, and Roberto Firmino ahead of him in the pecking order, as well as his own injury issues, he doesn’t look like getting in the team any time soon.

Thus, Sturridge may be looking for a route out of Anfield this summer in a bid to resurrect his club career and save his international one, and Southampton may be the ideal place for him to go.

The Saints cannot rely on Charlie Austin given his injury record, and although Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez are both good forwards, neither are hugely prolific goal-scorers, leaving Gabbiadini as the main option.

Puel’s men were loosely linked with Sturridge earlier in the season, and should reignite their interest in the summer if they are to go to the next level.