Southampton were beaten by Manchester City at the weekend, but Ralph Hassenhuttl will be pleased with his side’s performance.

Unlike the reverse fixture at the Etihad earlier in the campaign, the Saints looked threatening at times before City turned on the pressure just before half-time. The Citizens needed two quickfire goals, and Hassenhuttl’s side were unable to get back into the encounter. Things do not get any easier for the Austrian with a fixture against Chelsea set to kick off 2019.

The January transfer window is now open giving the former RB Leipzig man the opportunity to bolster his squad to improve his side’s chances of beating the drop. The Saints have struggled since the departure of Dusan Tadic to Ajax in the summer and desperately need a playmaker to get the goals flowing once again to steer them away from danger.

A perfect target could be Heracles maestro – Brandley Kuwas. Valued at £4.05m by Transfermarkt, the 26-year-old has been a mainstay for his club since joining from Excelsior back in 2016. Kuwas has been the creative hub for his side this season and is enjoying one of the finest campaigns in his career.

The Curacao international is a tricky playmaker who can play centrally or on either wing making him the perfect replacement for Tadic. Kuwas has found the back of the net six times already this season as well as registering five assists; his creative abilities would be of great benefit to Ings in the Saints attack. The former AZ Alkmaar has terrific pace and excellent dribbling ability which makes him ideal for life in England.

With his contract expiring in less than six months, Hassenhuttl should secure himself a bargain in January.

Southampton fans, thoughts?