Transfer wishlist: Depth is the name of the game for Southampton
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What areas do they need to strengthen?
Having scored fewer goals than Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, Southampton are sitting third in the league virtue of their impressive defence, which has conceded the fewest number of goals (15) of any side.
If a top four finish is to become a reality though, the squad depth needs to be improved and any outgoings must be covered, with the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathanial Clyne in high demand.
Who have they been linked with?
Rafa Silva, Bruno Martins Indi, Wesley Sneijder, Luis Muriel, Danny Ings, Juan Fernando Quintero
January Wishlist Best Buys
Rafa Silva (Braga)
Southampton have a long-standing interest in the 21-year-old and after deciding against a move in the summer are now ready to test Braga’s resolve for the Portuguese winger.
Silva has scored twice from the wing this season and while a switch to the English top flight represents something of a risk, if he takes to as quickly as some of Saints’ other recent recruits he’ll be a solid addition.
Bruno Martins Indi (Porto)
While Southampton’s back line of Bertrand, Fonte, Alderweireld and Clyne has been rock solid there doesn’t appear to be much in the way of competition or cover and Indi would certainly provide both of those things.
The Dutchman is well known to Koeman and attracting admiring glances from various Premier League clubs and is exactly the sort of arrival that would force people to take the club’s Champions League ambitions seriously.
Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray)
Whether it’s to replace the in-demand Schneiderlin or to accompany him in midfield Sneijder would provide the talent and experience to help Southampton’s younger players and again boost the chances of a top four finish.
Koeman has ruled out a move in the past but it will be interesting to see if that stance is maintained now the window is open.
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Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord)
The 23-year-old was already on the books at Feyenoord when Koeman took the reins but the Saints boss oversaw the transition from promising youth player to one of the world’s hottest prospects.
With comparisons to Barcelona legend Xavi already being made it won’t be long before someone snaps the midfielder up.
The so-called big boys will probably wait to see how he develops over the next year or so, however, leaving Koeman at the head of the queue – for now!
Remember Van Persie’s volley against Ecuador? Look who makes the inch-perfect pass:
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