While they may be in with a good chance of reaching the League Cup final, the Southampton fans in the Football Transfer Tavern won’t be enjoying life in the Premier League at the current time – the 1-0 defeat to Burnley on Saturday was their fourth Premier League loss on the bounce.

With the south coast outfit scoring just twice in those four reverses and just 19 in the top flight all season, and with centre-back and captain Jose Fonte wanting to leave the club this month, it is clear to the Saints punters at the bar where their problems lie.

As you can see from this comparison on Squawka, Southampton’s forwards have had more than enough changes and efforts on goal this season to put the ball in the back of the net more than they have, but they have time and time again failed to take them.

The quartet of Charlie Austin, Nathan Redmond, Jay Rodriguez and Shane Long have yielded just 13 Premier League goals from 127 shots at goal in the league this term, and it is a record that must improve in 2017 if the club are going to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle.

Here are THREE realistic January signings that could sort out the struggling Saints…

Edin Dzeko

One player that would likely be near the top of every punter’s transfer wishlist would be Roma striker Edin Dzeko.

This Saints side is crying out for a proven attacker – especially with top goalscorer Charlie Austin currently ruled out because of a shoulder injury – and the former Manchester City man would certainly get the seal of approval from the tavern landlord.

The 30-year-old netted 50 goals in 130 appearances for the Citizens during his previous spell in the Premier League, and his prolific form shows no signs of deteriorating as the Bosnian has scored 18 goals for the Italian giants this term.

It would likely take a sizeable offer to prise him away from Rome, but as Southampton’s form continues to drop, it is a gamble that might have to be taken by Claude Puel and one the fans by the bar would certainly relish.

Alassane Plea

No, we aren’t quite nuts enough to suggest that Southampton bring Mario Balotelli back to the Premier League, but Claude Puel could certainly be taking a look at a player he managed at Nice last season – Alassane Plea.

The 23-year-old attacker can play anywhere across the frontline but it his goal record that will appeal to the frustrated Saints punters.

The French forward has scored 12 goals in 26 appearances for the Ligue 1 high-flyers this term – which will surely mean that a number of sides are keeping a close eye on his progress – but Puel could just have the advantage for a player that could be available for a reasonable transfer fee in a crazily inflated market this month.

Fabian Schar

After spending seven years at the club, Jose Fonte’s request to leave the club will be one that will sadden the Southampton punters following the journey they have both been on during that time.

As a result, the Portugal international has been left out of the Saints squad for their last three matches and although Maya Yoshida has proven that he can be a reliable stand-in, manager Claude Puel will be on the search for a long-term replacement for the Euro 2016 winner.

One player that should be on his list – and one that the tavern landlord would agree with too – would be Hoffenheim centre-back Schar.

The Switzerland international – who has scored an impressive seven goals in 27 caps for his country – is part of a Bundesliga side that is still unbeaten this term and he could be the perfect partner for Virgil van Dijk at the hear of the Southampton defence.

Saints fans – what do you think of our suggestions? Let us know below.