These players would be absolutely ideal for Ralph Hasenhuttl to save Southampton’s faltering season

Three players Ralph Hasenhuttl should sign for Southampton in January

According to a report from the Guardian, Southampton have appointed Ralph Hasenhuttl as their new manager on a two-and-a-half year deal. The 51-year-old has replaced Mark Hughes, who was sacked at the start of the week following a 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

Ralph Hasenhuttl, a former Austria international, had been out of work after leaving RB Leipzig in May. The Austrian arrives with Southampton placed 18th in the Premier League and will be assisted by assistant manager Kelvin Davis, head of goalkeeping Dave Watson and head of sports science Alek Gross.

Southampton are struggling at the moment and find themselves in the relegation zone despite earning a valuable point against Manchester United last weekend. Now with Hasenhuttl at the helm, Southampton need to work towards changing their fortunes quickly.

That said, Hasenhuttl would at least need a couple of few faces to bolster the current squad. Here are three players the Saints could target in the January transfer window.

1. Gary Cahill (Chelsea)

Strengthening the backline would be Hasenhuttl’s first and foremost task, given the number of goals Southampton have leaked in this season. There is a massive need of an experienced head and none could be any better than Chelsea’s Gary Cahill at the moment.

Cahill, 32, is out of favour under Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea and could jump at the opportunity to join Southampton if they come calling next month. The former England international’s leadership skills, defensive nous and volumes of experience would make him such a massive signing for the Saints.

Out of contract at Chelsea next summer, Cahill would be also available on a cut-price fee in January.

2. Adam Lallana (Liverpool)

Adam Lallana is currently on the books of Liverpool but he finds himself way below the pecking order under Jurgen Klopp. Injuries and heavy competition for places have restricted Lallana to just three Premier League outings this season.

But at Southampton, he could get regular opportunities to play and help his former club escape relegation. The creative midfielder would add a different dimension to Southampton’s play in the final third, whilst also adding depth to the squad.

Under Hasenhuttl’s dynamic and free-flowing style of play, Lallana could be a smash hit at St Mary’s. A remarkable return to the south coast remains on the cards.

3. Neal Maupay (Brentford)

Brentford’s Neal Maupay, 22, is one of the lethal strikers in the Championship, with a mighty 13 goals and six assists already to his name this season. These numbers are truly fantastic and it’s fair to suggest that it wouldn’t have gone unnoticed by clubs in the Premier League.

Southampton must target Maupay in January. He fits the bracket of Southampton’s liking for a young, talented and improving player. The Frenchman is a well-rounded footballer, blessed with quick feet and ability to hold up play.

Read more: Southampton recalling £16m star from his loan spell could be the way to avoid relegation – agreed?

Maupay is deadly in front of goal and would add some flair to Southampton’s attack.