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…

Juanpi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLwIUT6RtGc

Southampton have been linked with Malaga’s Juanpi before, and it looks like a deal may take place in January.

The 22-year-old shot to prominence last season for the Spanish side, netting four times for the club in the league, as well as earning himself regular spots in the Venezuelan national team, where he scored his first international goal in September against Argentina.

He helped the club finish eighth in La Liga last season, and has appeared in 11 of their 12 league games this time around, and scored twice.

An attacking midfielder who can also play down the wing, he’d seriously bolster Southampton’s forward options as the Saints attempt to juggle domestic and European commitments this season.

Carlos Castro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV9f9qMZsx4

Sporting Gijon’s Carlos Castro has struggled to make an impact at the La Liga club this season.

The 21-year-old forward has been restricted to just two starts in the league so far, and has found the net just once – in their 2-1 home defeat to fellow strugglers Valencia.

However, Castro did pretty well last season in his debut La Liga campaign, scoring seven goals in 27 appearances, including strikes against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Southampton have a history of developing young talent into solid Premier League players and, with Castro’s contract expiring at the end of the season, it could be worth a punt in January.