Southampton’s ideal XI following the January window

Manolo Gabbiadini

Charlie Austin’s injury is a huge blow to Southampton, who now only have Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez as their striking options, albeit you can add Nathan Redmond to that list.

Nonetheless, Puel will likely want to try and bring another striker in before next Tuesday’s deadline, and one man he has been heavily linked with is Napoli’s Manolo Gabbiadini, whose career in Italy appears to be over.

The 25-year-old has made just seven starts in Serie A this season, the last of which coming at the start of December, and despite scoring five goals for the club this term, doesn’t appear to be any nearer a regular starting role.

Thus, Gabbiadini could leave Naples this month, and Southampton are reportedly interested in the striker, who has six caps for Italy.

The two clubs are in negotiations according to recent reports, and it’s a deal the Saints should try and get done quickly before interest from other clubs in Europe becomes concrete.