Southampton reached the last four of the League Cup following a superb 2-0 win over Arsenal in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Goals from Jordy Clasie and Ryan Bertrand sealed a memorable victory for Claude Puel’s side, who will now face Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in the semi-finals in the New Year.

Now though, attentions turn back to their Premier League campaign, where they will look to back up last weekend’s deserved win over Everton with a victory at former manager Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Saints have won four and drawn five of their opening 13 league games to sit tenth in the table, but their success over former boss Ronald Koeman’s Toffees on Sunday was their first win in the league since the middle of October.

Nonetheless, it has been a promising start to Puel’s reign at St Mary’s, as the Frenchman has almost led his side to the knockout stages of the Europa League, with his men knowing that victory over Hapel Be’er Sheva in their final group game will be enough to secure a last 32 berth.

However, some still feel that Southampton need reinforcements to battle in four different competitions come the New Year, and Puel must be looking ahead to strengthening his side in January.

Thus, here are the THREE star signings on top of Southampton’s Christmas list…

Tiemoue Bakayoko

Southampton look set to go head-to-head with Manchester United for Monaco’s defensive midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.

The 22-year-old has made great strides since moving to the Ligue 1 side from fellow French outfit Rennes in 2014, and has made 55 appearances for the side, which also includes ten Champions League starts.

Both Premier League sides have reportedly kept an eye on the Frenchman this season, and what with the Saints in four competitions come the New Year, Puel may feel that he needs another midfield option to cope with those demands.

It may set the Saints back £4 million, but it could be an effective long-term investment given Bakayoko’s potential.

Hatem Ben Arfa

He may not have the greatest reputation in English football, but Puel seems to know how to get the best out of former Newcastle and Hull midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa.

The French international played under the Saints boss at Nice last season, and managed 17 goals in 34 Ligue 1 games for the club, helping them to a fourth place finish in the French top-flight.

Both men went their separate ways in the summer, with Puel moving to Southampton and Ben Arfa to Paris Saint-Germain, but the latter has struggled to have an impact in the French capital, scoring just once so far this season.

Although the Saints’ interest seems to have cooled in recent weeks, they were linked with the 29-year-old back in September, and Puel may look to bring him in and get him back firing again like he was at Nice.

Daniel Sturridge

Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge has struggled for minutes at Anfield this season, which could mean only one thing when January comes around.

The England striker has yet to score in the Premier League this time around, although has made just four starts and five substitute appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

His brace in their League Cup win over Tottenham reminded us all of his excellent ability in front of goal, and he took that sharpness into England’s 3-0 win over Scotland three weeks ago, where he scored a fine header.

However, he may look for a move come January if first team opportunities remain scarce, and Southampton are one of several teams eyeing up a potential deal.

The Saints, as aforementioned, are battling in four competitions this season, and could really do with further strength in depth upfront – Sturridge would certainly give them that.