Southampton will be pleased with their performance despite losing 3-1 to reigning champions Manchester City at the weekend.

Defeating the Citizens was always going to be difficult, but there was to be no repeat of the 6-1 thrashing at the Etihad earlier in the season. The Saints had their moments against Pep Guardiola’s men but didn’t look as threatening with Danny Ings on the bench – rested with the fixture against Chelsea in mind. Ultimately, City ran out deserved winners at St. Marys, but Ralph Hassenhuttl will be confident of beating the drop if he can replicate this showing in the second half of the season.

The January transfer window is now open which will give the Austrian the first chance to tailor the squad to meet his needs. A lack of goals has been a real problem for the Saints in recent season, and a new forward should be targeted to add competition to Charlie Austin and Ings in the attack. Finding a regular goalscorer could be key to avoiding another relegation dogfight in May.

An ideal target for the former RB Leipzig boss would be Kasimpasa forward – Mbaye Diagne. Valued at just £2.25m by Transfermarkt, the former Juventus striker has finally found his feet in Turkey after spending short spells at clubs around the globe. After impressing during his debut campaign with the club, Diagne has been in extraordinary form in the current campaign, scoring goals for fun in the Turkish Super Lig.

The 27-year-old has been on fire, netting an incredible 20 league goals in just 17 appearances this season as well as registering three assists for his team-mates. Diagne is a quick, powerful forward with lethal finishing ability which makes him the perfect January target for the Saints. The Senegal international would thrive in a better quality squad and has all the attributes to be a success in the Premier League.

It won’t be long before other clubs come calling if his form continues so Southampton must be quick to snap him up.

Southampton fans, thoughts?