Southampton recorded their first Premier League victory of 2017 courtesy of a 3-0 success over champions Leicester on Sunday.

Claude Puel’s side had lost their previous four league matches prior to the clash with the Foxes, but they secured a much-needed three points thanks to goals from James Ward-Prowse, Jay Rodriguez, and Dusan Tadic.

It means that the Saints have stopped a rot that was threatening to drag them into a relegation battle, as they are now 11 points clear of the bottom three with only 16 games to go.

Victory was Southampton’s seventh in the league this season, but their attentions will turn away from the Premier League and to the League Cup this week when they travel to Anfield for the second leg of their semi-final on Wednesday (7.45pm kick-off).

Nathan Redmond’s goal is all that separates the two sides going into Wednesday’s clash, but the Saints will be confident of getting the job done and reaching a second League Cup final.

Nonetheless, Puel may feel that his squad needs strengthening in the final week of the transfer window to stay competitive on all fronts this season, so he may dip into the winter window for some additions.

Thus, here is what the dream Southampton spine could look like come February 1…

Fraser Forster

Fraser Forster has been excellent for Southampton ever since he made the move south of the border from Celtic in 2014.

The England international earned rave reviews during his four-year stint at Celtic Park, and has continued to improve as a goalkeeper since he arrived at St Mary’s in 2014.

He was a key part of the Saints backline that conceded just 41 goals in last season’s Premier League, and deservedly won the February Player of the Month in 2016 after keeping six successive clean sheets and producing an unbelievable display to thwart Arsenal at the Emirates on February 2.

For a goalkeeper out for over half a year in 2015, Forster has returned as an even better shot-stopper, and is embarking on another decent season this term.

Virgil van Dijk

The best bit of January business Southampton can do is make sure defender Virgil van Dijk remains on the books come February 1.

That’s because the Dutch international centre-back has been outstanding at the back for the Saints this season, and has arguably been the best defender in the Premier League this term.

Van Dijk has started all but one of their 22 Premier League games so far, and has been an integral part of a defence that has conceded just 26 goals in the league.

Jose Fonte’s departure last week makes it even more imperative that they keep the Dutchman, who has attracted interest from the likes of Liverpool, Everton, and Manchester City over the last few months.

Oriol Romeu

Oriol Romeu probably made a move to Chelsea too early in his career, but he went on loan to Valencia and Stuttgart to reinvigorate his career, and has returned to England a much better midfielder.

The 25-year-old played just 33 times for the Blues between 2011 and 2015, and eventually signed for Southampton that year after successful spells in continental Europe.

And his displays for the Saints over the past 18 months are demonstrative of an excellent midfielder who does the dirty work well and provides a platform for the attacking players to do their bit.

The Spaniard, formerly of Barcelona, has started all but one of Southampton’s 22 Premier League games, and is regularly one of their highest-rated performers – he’ll continue to be key for them as the season progresses.

Manolo Gabbiadini

Southampton have reportedly reignited their interest in Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini, and it’s no surprise given their lack of options in the attacking department.

Star striker Charlie Austin is out injured for a while, leaving just Shane Long, Jay Rodriguez, and Nathan Redmond as their recognised forwards, and the latter has only played in that position since the start of the campaign.

Thus, given their lowly goal tally of 22 in the Premier League so far, Puel clearly feels that he needs another striker to help get the Saints back into the top half of the table, and Gabbiadini could be his man.

The Napoli forward looks set to leave Naples this month after starting just seven of their 21 Serie A matches this term, and hasn’t featured in their last two league matches.

Clearly, Gabbiadini is out of favour at Napoli, so it makes sense for Puel to try and strike a deal with the club to bring the talented Italian international to St Mary’s this month.