Southampton must snap up these 2 La Liga stars in January

Claude Puel took over from Ronald Koeman at Southampton in the summer, and Saints fans will be pretty happy with the Frenchman’s work so far.

The Saints are 11th in the Premier League having won three and drawn five of their opening 12 league games, with defeats against Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Hull the only blemishes on an otherwise solid start to the campaign.

Their 0-0 draw at home to free-scoring Liverpool at the weekend was another reminder of Southampton’s defensive solidarity, with their 12 goals conceded the least of anyone outside the top five in the division.

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

However, it has been in the Europa League where Southampton have enjoyed the most success, having won two of their four group matches, including a 2-1 victory over European giants Inter Milan a few weeks ago.

Puel’s men are well-placed to qualify from Group K, although ideally need to avoid defeat away at group leaders Sparta Prague on Thursday to consolidate their healthy position.

Nonetheless, their solid if unspectacular start to the campaign has increased speculation about who the Saints could look to sign in January, as they attempt to get into the European places once again this season.

Thus, here are TWO La Liga stars Puel should try and snap up in January…