Southampton have had a very up-and-down start to the season and currently sit in 10th place. January will provide a chance to improve, but who could be signed from a rival?
So far under Russell Martin, the Saints have been very free-flowing going forward but open at the back, leading to a negative goal difference.
Right now the club only boasts Shea Charles as a mostly defensive-minded midfielder. Flynn Downes and Will Smallbone are also able to play there if needed.
As a result of this, January poses an opportunity to add some strength and depth in that position. Solidifying the midfield needs to be a focus.
Romeo Lavia and Ibrahima Diallo were sold in the summer and never directly replaced which needs to be addressed.
With all that being said, who could the Saints sign from a rival?
Dan Neil
Southampton have recently invested in a varied talent pool. A mixture of young talent and experience was signed over the summer.
Youngsters like Charles and Taylor Harwood-Bellis were joined by Ryan Fraser and Ross Stewart.
The Scottish striker is proof that Sunderland are willing to do business with the Saints and they should do the same in January.
Dan Neil was linked to Premier League sides over the summer but a move away never materialised.
So far this season the 21-year old has had a positive start, contributing to five clean sheets in 11 starts.
The midfielder is defensive-minded and loves to get stuck in and make a tackle. His passing from deep is also key to his game.
In Martin’s 4-3-3 setup, Neil could be a prime candidate to help keep the goals out, while keeping play ticking.
He is likely to cost a decent fee given that he only recently signed a new contract this year, but nothing out of the question.
A fee potentially around £10 million could be enough to test the Black Cats’ resolve but could cost upwards of £15 million.
With that being said, at the age he is with the amount of experience he already has, he would be a top signing for the present and future.