According to HampshireLive, Southampton striker Michael Obafemi could be forced to leave the club on loan in January as he looks for more game time.

Obafemi may move on loan

Despite making 21 appearances in the Premier League last term, Ireland international Obafemi has appeared in just one match in the English top flight so far this campaign.

As such, this latest report suggests he will need to leave St. Mary's Stadium on a temporary basis as he looks for regular first-team football.

Just the ticket

Obafemi has been in and around the first team for about two years now since he was a teenager making his first steps into the game. Mark Hughes lauded the 20-year-old during his time on the south coast, saying the striker has "unbelievable pace", while Mauricio Pellegrino called him a "good finisher".

With Che Adams and Danny Ings in good form so far this campaign - they have eight goals between them this season - it doesn't look as though Obafemi will be starting regularly any time soon, especially when Ralph Hasenhuttl also questioned his professionalism. It seems that, at this stage in his career, a loan move until the end of the season could be the best thing for the £4.05m-valued (Transfermarkt) youngster.

In other news, Southampton fans love the club's tweet on this former star.