Opinion: Southampton should push hard to beat Crystal Palace to Championship striker signing | OneFootball

Southampton will be using what remains of this January transfer window to bolster their attacking options for what will be a battle to survive the Premier League drop.

Welcoming Mislav Orsic and Carlos Alcaraz to St Mary’s, whilst recalling Jan Bednarek from his loan spell at Aston Villa, there have certainly been positive elements to this transfer window.

The Saints are also on the verge of completing a move for Luton Town defender James Bree, as per Jacob Tanswell, with Nathan Jones closing in on a reunion with the right-wing-back who can also be deployed as a right-sided centre-back.

With reports suggesting that Southampton are set to pay £750,000 for the 25-year-old, it represents a coup for the wing-back who ranks in as the Championship’s joint-leader when it comes to big chances created.

Once finalised, and probably a search that is coinciding with the last few touches of Bree’s move to Hampshire, all attention will turn to their striker chase.

Southampton had been chasing a move for Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson, however, a recent report from The Athletic has revealed that Premier Legaue rivals Bournemouth have seemingly swooped in.

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One other forward that the Saints have been linked with is Bristol City’s Antoine Semenyo, and whilst he currently plays his football in the Championship, he is an exciting prospect who has the athleticism to cause havoc in the Premier League.

According to the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (26.01 – 09:48), the Saints are considering a move for the 22-year-old who is also of interest at Bournemouth, Burnley and Crystal Palace, although the Cherries’ pursuit of Jackson could change their stance.

A move for the 23-year-old would be cheaper than their Jackson pursuit, although Bournemouth did recently see a £10 million bid rejected for the Ghana international.

Semenyo has netted five times and has provided a further two assists in 11 Championship starts for the Robins this season and is a powerhouse of a forward.

When looking at the squad he assembled at Luton, power and aggression are two things he desired from his frontline and Semenyo seems to fit the bill in that capacity, whilst he represents an option who can thrive for the Hampshire club in the future.

Getting a deal over the line for a striker is critical for Southampton and their hopes of surviving and the Ghanaian forward is someone who can play a part in the here and now, whilst being a player who can be a big part of their future.