Despite a poor start to the season, Southampton are finally getting back to where they feel they should be.

Saints fans at the Tavern have been spoiled after the success brought by Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman in recent years.

After a questionable start, Frenchman Claude Puel looks like he may be able to keep the Saints in the top half with a side that is weaker than previous seasons on paper.

While frustrating players at times, Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle did score goals for Southampton, while the loss of Victor Wanyama has also left a hole in the middle of midfield.

A number of players at St Mary’s have stepped up admirably, but Puel will know that a difficult spell could be just round the corner should the Saints not reinforce.

With that in mind, here are FOUR players Southampton should look at bringing in during the January transfer window….

STEFAN STURARO

Stefan Sturaro has been unlucky to have played in a Juventus side with some of the best central midfielders of modern times ahead of him.

The 23-year-old has mainly played second fiddle to the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal in the past, while he appears to currently be behind Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira, Miralem Pjanic and Mario Lemina.

Brilliant in the tackle and solid enough to anchor a midfield, the Italian has yet to start a match and may be looking to move in the New Year.

BRITT ASSOMBALONGA

While Charlie Austin has done well in finding the net five times for the Saints this season, he has often played as the foil for the man next to him.

Really, Shane Long and Nathan Redmond should be stepping up their output as both get a lot of chances as a result of Austin’s link-up play.

What the Saints need is a man who knows where the net is.

They could do a lot worse than Brett Assombalonga who has scored more than a goal every other game in the Championship despite previously struggling with injury.

OSCAR HILJEMARK

Another man who can play in the middle, Oscar Hiljemark would provide more of a box-to-box presence.

While Oriol Romeu has done a fine job this season, Hiljemark would present a more dynamic option to help the Saints transition from defence to attack.

After a mixed spell at PSV, the Swede has really come into his own over the last couple of years with Palermo and has been capped eleven times by the national side.

ROBBIE BRADY

More a player to offer cover than usurp anyone in the side, the versatile Robbie Brady could be exactly what the Saints need.

With Ryan Bertrand occasionally sidelined due to injury, the Irishman would fit in well down the Saints left flank and even offer an option should Puel decide to start using wide men in midfield.

Brady also has a great delivery and can be a threat from set pieces. He was unlucky to go down with Norwich last season and is too good to be playing in the Championship.