Mauricio Pellegrino will not be too pleased with the position his side are in, on the league points table. They are just a point above the drop zone and are in desperate need of some fresh faces, who can help them tighten up at both ends of the field.
The Saints lost Virgil van Dijk, their first choice CB to Liverpool earlier this month and are in search of a player who can replace him in the first team. While Leeds United’s Pontus Jansson has been identified as the prime target, his agent has now dismissed all rumours linking the Swedish international with an exit this month.
This has pushed the Saints into the market for a CB yet again and here are three alternatives they should scout for:
Alfie Mawson (Swansea City):
Possibly the best option on this list for the Saints is Swansea City star, Alfie Mawson. With the Swans currently struggling at rock bottom of the league points table, they might not be ready to let him leave but it will not be too hard for Southampton to lure him away. The 24-year old is expected to break into the English national side as well and is one of the most exciting talents at the Liberty Stadium. He has already been linked with a number of clubs, including Southampton and is definitely worth the risk, half-way through the season.
Lamine Kone (Sunderland):
The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international is currently struggling to impose himself at the Stadium of Light and Sunderland are expected to cut him loose, to shelve the losses. He is an experienced defender, who did well in his stint in the top flight before the Black Cats went down. He is tailor-made for the English game and the system at the St Mary’s will surely give him some confidence in his abilities. He may not be a long-term fix but is a player Pellegrino should look at.
Liam Moore (Reading):
The 24-year old English defender has been bang in form for the Championship outfit this season. He has been the first choice, making 27 appearances in the domestic league. He is highly regarded by Jaap Stam at the Madejski Stadium but Reading are currently 18th in the points table and it will not be too hard a decision for him if a club in the top flight come calling. Southampton have been a friendly club for young, un-established players, and this move to St Mary’s can give Moore a chance to make a name for himself at the highest level.
