Southampton have made a solid start to the season under new manager Claude Puel, who replaced Everton-bound Ronald Koeman in the summer.

The Saints have lost just two of their opening seven league matches – to Manchester United and Arsenal – and have picked up important wins over Swansea City and West Ham United.

Puel’s side have also embarked on their first European adventure for 13 years, and they have started reasonably well with a victory over Sparta Prague followed by a 0-0 draw at Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

The Saints lost a number of key players in the summer, including Victor Wanyama to Tottenham and Sadio Mane to Liverpool, and many feel that they are still lacking in certain areas as they aim to replicate last season’s sixth place finish.

They have been linked to a number of players since the transfer window shut over a month ago, but here are THREE players Puel could land when the window reopens in January…

Juanpi

Manager Puel is reportedly monitoring the progress of Malaga’s attacking midfielder Juanpi, and he’ll likely be happy with what he’s seen from the youngster in recent months.

The 22-year-old, having made his senior debut for the Spanish side little over two years ago, has flourished in the past few seasons, and netted four times for Juande Ramos’ side last campaign.

Juanpi is a regular starter for Venezuela and is becoming a more important member of the Malaga squad as time wears on.

The Saints appear to be in pole position to land Juanpi so, if boss Puel wants him, he’ll have a good chance of securing a deal in January.

Hatem Ben Arfa

Former Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa worked with Puel during his time at Nice, and it appears that the Southampton boss is looking to bring him with him to St Mary’s as well.

Ben Arfa left the French club in the summer and signed for Paris Saint-Germain, but the 29-year-old has not started a game for the Ligue 1 champions since their opening day victory at Bastia almost two months ago.

Consequently, his future is up in the air, but Puel seems to want to give him an opportunity at Southampton, especially given how good the French winger was during his 18-month spell at Nice.

He netted 17 goals in 36 appearances last season and, if Puel feels that he can replicate that form at St Mary’s, then he should try and secure his services in January.

Tiemoue Bakayoko

A player who is interesting Manchester United, AC Milan and now Southampton, 22-year-old Tiemoue Bakayoko could work out to be an excellent signing for the Saints.

The Monaco midfielder has been in decent form for the French side, and appeared in their first five league games before getting sent off in a 4-0 defeat to league leaders Nice last month.

Bakayoko would definitely bolster Puel’s midfield options, and could turn out to be a long-term replacement for Wanyama should the Saints boss beat the competition and secure his signature.