According to a recent report from The Times, Andreas Christensen is far from happy with life at his current club. The centre back currently plays his football at Premier League giants Chelsea having come up through the ranks at Stamford Bridge, yet he has seriously struggled for regular football under new manager Maurizio Sarri following his appointment during the summer.

And the Denmark international has recently expressed his frustration at his lack of game time, which is news that should be of interest to Southampton manager Mark Hughes, as luring the 22-year-old to St Mary’s in January would be key to his side’s survival hopes.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, while the Saints brought in Jannik Vestegaard during the summer in a bid to strengthen their backline, they have again looked pretty vulnerable at the back this season in shipping 14 goals in their opening eight matches - only Fulham (21), Cardiff City, and Huddersfield Town (both 17) have conceded more.

And with just two clean sheets, one of which coming back on the opening day of the season in drawing at home with Burnley, it’s clear that the South Coast outfit have to improve defensively if they are to avoid relegation this term, not least because they are hardly banging in the goals at the other end.

In fact, there is an even greater emphasis on Hughes’ side being solid at the back given their woes in front of goal, having scored just six times in the league this term, and failing to score in any of their last three encounters.

Thus, defensive reinforcements are surely needed come the January window, and with Christensen seemingly unhappy at Chelsea, the 22-year-old is one man Hughes must target come the New Year.

The Danish star spent time on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach between 2015 and 2017 in a bid to earn the regular football he was unlikely to ever get at Chelsea, only for former boss Antonio Conte to bring him into his starting eleven on regular occasions last season.

In fact, the centre back went on to make 27 Premier League appearances for the Blues last term and thus become a key part of Conte’s side in their march to fifth place in the division, showing great defensive qualities on many occasions to underline his ability in the Premier League.

And while there were a few nervy moments from the 22-year-old, he has on the whole proven to be an accomplished Premier League defender in the English top-flight - the sort Southampton are in dire need of in their battle against relegation.

The Saints have been linked with a move for Christensen in the past as they sought to improve their defensive ranks, and with the 22-year-old reportedly unhappy at Chelsea at present, the South Coast club have to reignite their interest in him if they are to bolster their survival chances.

Southampton fans… what do you think? Let us know!