TalkSport transfer expert Alex Crook has claimed live on air that Southampton are desperate to recruit a striker on deadline day.

The Lowdown: Sainst need more firepower

It's no surprise that Southampton would like to add more goals to their side given how poorly they've been performing in the final third, with James Ward-Prowse their top scorer with five strikes - two of them came in one game the other week at Goodison Park.

The Saints are set for a Carabao Cup semi-final today in which they find themselves trailing, which could have been avoided had they been more clinical in the final third, with Che Adams missing a glorious chance against Newcastle United.

Southampton are indeed looking to address the striker situation as they are said to be closing in on a move for the Braga striker Vitinha, having reportedly triggered his release clause - although they aren't alone in their pursuit.

The Latest: New striker set to arrive

Crook has insisted live on air that the Saints are desperate to land a new striker given their woes in front of goal, which will please the Southampton faithful.

He said: "Southampton [are] desperate to get a number nine in between now and the window [closing]."

The Verdict: Southampton need a new attacker

Given that Southampton have only managed to score 17 times in the Premier League, it shows there is and always has been a need to recruit a new striker, so the fact it's come down to deadline day is a worry.

Nathan Jones has been in place for the entire month, and had Sport Republic handed him a new striker near the beginning of the window, they could have potentially been out of the bottom three and leading their semi-final.

Their failure to recruit a new striker could prove pivotal and leaving it this late always brings about its own problems, as it's being reported that Brighton are looking to hijack their deal for Vitinha at the last minute.