With the January transfer window fast approaching Southampton will be searching the market for players who can add to their options for the second half of the season.

Claude Puel has had somewhat of a mixed bag since his arrival over the summer, the Saints find themselves in 10th position, having struggled to match the form they showed in the second half of the last campaign, which dragged them to their highest ever Premier League finish of 6th place. The south coast club were also dumped out of Europe last week, after drawing at home to Israeli outsiders, Hapeol Be’er Sheva.

However, the men from St Mary’s still have it all to play for during the second half of the season. They’ll be desperate to claim a Europa League qualification spot – a goal at the start of the season and one that is still obtainable. The Saints will also have their eye on winning the EFL Cup, where they have advanced to the semi-final stage.

This is a big opportunity for a side that hasn’t won a major trophy since 1976. To help them press on, the Saints’ fabled recruitment team will no doubt be working overtime to identify players who can add that extra bit of quality to the side in January.

It’s always worth keeping an eye out for bargain buys during the window, as the money saved in these deals can be spent on other targets. With that said here’s THREE bargain buys Southampton should be looking to snap up this January.

Saido Berahino

Photo: Paul Roberts / Offside.

The enigma that is Saido Berahino could finally be about to realise his full potential. His contract is up this summer meaning he could be available for a cut-price fee this January. The 23-year-old doesn’t seem interested in signing a new deal, following the tricky spell he has had at the club since he tried to push through a move to Tottenham back in the summer of 2015.

Berahino undoubtedly has talent, if he settles quickly at Southampton his goals and assists could make a real difference to the side that have scored the joint-second least goals in the league this season, a measly 14 in 15 games. Southampton will need more goals if they are to qualify for Europe again this campaign.

Memphis Depay

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Memphis Depay has struggled at United since his arrival in 2015. The Dutchman was signed as a seemingly guaranteed future star, but it hasn’t quite worked out at United, meaning he could be made available at a cheap price this January.

The 22-year-old has proved he knows where the goal is having scored a remarkable 28 goals for PSV the season before his move to United. If he can replicate even a hint of this type of return then Southampton will have quite the player on their books. One who has the potential to take them to the next level as a club, and who could help them bag the EFL Cup this season.

Morgan Schneiderlin

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

They say never go back, but could it be a good option for both Schneiderlin and Southampton this January? Morgan Schneiderlin is badly out of favour at Old Trafford, with new manager Jose Mourinho almost appearing to completely disregard the Frenchman, who has only made two appearances in the league so far this campaign. As a result, it is likely the 27-year-old will be available for a cut-price fee this January.

Southampton could do with another dynamic presence in the middle of the park and you would have to wager that Schneiderlin would hit the ground running upon a return to St Mary’s, a club where he spent seven years of his career. This could make a real difference to the Saints’ ability to control games, giving them a stronger footing from which to create chances and score goals.