According to a recent report from Calcio Mercato (via talkSPORT), Gary Cahill’s future remains far from certain heading into the January transfer window. The 32-year-old currently plays his football at Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and has done so since 2012, although a lack of regular game time under new manager Maurizio Sarri this season has called his future at the club into question.

Yet reports suggest that Italian giants AC Milan have opted against making a move for the centre back in the New Year, which leaves the door very much ajar for Southampton manager Mark Hughes to make a move for the Englishman - a move the Saints must make if they are to stay in the Premier League.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, this season has so far followed a similar pattern to the last one for Southampton fans, what with their side again languishing near the foot of the Premier League table, with goals still hard to come by and difficulties keeping them out remaining rife.

And while they showed some signs of life in the final third with two goals at Craven Cottage on Saturday, their defensive vulnerabilities again reared their head in shipping three to Claudio Ranieri’s Cottagers, thus suffering a seventh defeat of the campaign.

What’s more, only three teams have now conceded more goals than Hughes’ side so far this term to underline just how much work is needed to be done at both ends of the pitch in the January window - failure to do so would surely see the Saints relegated.

And that is why news that AC Milan aren’t interested in Chelsea’s Cahill should be music to the ears of Hughes, as the 32-year-old has the experience and indeed the quality to help pull the Saints away from the relegation mire.

Yes, Cahill has struggled for first team football this season in appearing just once in the Premier League so far, but one mustn’t forget that it wasn’t too long ago in which the Englishman helped Antonio Conte’s Blues win the Premier League title - he was absolutely outstanding that season in the Italian’s back three.

And with two Premier League crowns to his name, alongside Champions League and Europa League glory, the former England international would bring a wealth of experience to the Saints backline, with it plainly obvious that Cahill knows exactly what it takes to succeed in the English top-flight.

Ultimately, Southampton appear to be heading only one way at present, and January looks set to be an absolutely vital month for the South Coast outfit in their quest against relegation - they need big characters both on and off the pitch to stay afloat.

And with Cahill now seemingly not set for a move to Italy, the door is ajar for Hughes to make a move - a deal which might just keep Southampton in the Premier League.

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