Southampton are now monitoring Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom for a January transfer swoop, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Southampton's attacking problems

Southampton are underperforming quite considerably when it comes to goals this season, missing 18 of the 25 big chances that they have created in the Premier League up to this point.

This indicates that the midfielders are doing their job, crafting opportunities for the strikers, while top goal-scorer Che Adams has found the net just four times in 16 league appearances, so Nathan Jones may need to add more attacking firepower in January.

The Latest: Akpom monitored

According to a report from the Daily Mail, the Saints are currently monitoring Akpom as a potential January signing, after an impressive season so far in the Championship with Middlesbrough.

However, there are plenty of other potential suitors also detailed, with the likes of Crystal Palace and Everton also said to be keeping tabs on the forward.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Southampton need some inspiration from somewhere if they are to stand any chance of avoiding relegation this season, and the former Arsenal man could be just what they need, as he must be full of confidence, given his recent form.

The 27-year-old has been dubbed 'incredible' by talkSPORT's Phil Spencer for his brilliant displays in the second tier, and he has now registered 13 goals in 19 league appearances this term, more than any other Championship player.

Signing Akpom would be a gamble, given that none of his 60 professional goals at club level have came in the Premier League, but it might be one that Jones needs to take, with the Saints now bottom of the table and crying out for a new option in attack.