These 2 Southampton stars must leave in January for their own good

Shane Long

Charlie Austin’s long-term injury has left Puel with just Jay Rodriguez and Shane Long as his frontmen, yet the latter hasn’t quite lived up to expectation in recent weeks.

And, with the Saints potentially eyeing up a move for a forward in the window, as well as seeing Nathan Redmond occasionally lead the line for the team, Long may feel that he needs to move on this month.

The Republic of Ireland international has started just six Premier League games this season, and actually began the campaign as the first choice forward in the squad, although he failed to net and was subsequently replaced by Austin.

Clearly, Long is an important squad player for Southampton, yet at the age of 29, he should be in his peak years, and may need a move away to find the first team football needed to reach that peak.

Sunderland and West Ham have recently been linked with the Irishman, and he’d certainly get first team football at both clubs, and thus should seriously consider a move away if the interest becomes concrete.