Southampton FC transfer latest: Lawrence Shankland, Che Adams, Mason Holgate | OneFootball

As the Championship pauses for FA Cup action this weekend, Southampton are positioned nicely within the division.

Currently third in the league standings, the Saints will be firmly eyeing automatic promotion come the end of the campaign.

Of course, incomings and outgoings during the January transfer window could have a big impact on that promotion bid, so it's a crucial time for Russell Martin and his side.

With that said, below, we've rounded up and discussed some of the latest transfer stories swirling around the south coast club.

Southampton set for potential Celtic transfer battle

One transfer news story to break recently regarding the Saints is regarding Scottish striker Lawrence Shankland.

There have been reports that the Saints are big admirers of the Hearts centre-forward.

The 28-year-old has 13 league goals in the Scottish Premiership this campaign, with a further five goals scored in cup competitions.

Unfortunately for Southampton, they are not the only club keen, though, with Scottish giants Celtic, along with a host of other clubs, also reportedly interested.

Shankland's contract at Hearts runs until 2025, and the forward is also a seven-cap Scottish international.

Journalist hints at Che Adams interest

The future of Che Adams is something that has come up time and time again since the summer.

With his contract at Southampton due to expire next summer, that should not be a surprise, with the January window the last chance the Saints will get to cash in on the striker if he does not sign a new deal.

Recently talking to GIVEMESPORT, Journalist Dean Jones revealed that he expects plenty of interest in the Saints forward in the next few weeks, tipping Wolves to potentially resurrect their interest in the player.

"I think Che Adams, somewhere between £5m to £10m, is a really good option for a lot of clubs to consider in this January transfer period," Jones explained to GIVEMESPORT.

"I think that there are already three or four teams interested in this.

"While Wolves have definitely looked at this in the past, nothing is advanced as we look at it right now for January. But I do think there's going to continue to be a lot of talk around Adams in the next couple of weeks.

"If he is genuinely going to be available, at that sort of price point, it's reasonable that Wolves will look to resurrect this. He's got that experience and that nous.

"He'd be very useful in a Gary O'Neil setup."

Sean Dyche provides Mason Holgate update

Last but not least, Everton boss Sean Dyche has offered an update on the future of current Saints loanee Mason Holgate.

Holgate joined the club on loan in the summer, but has so far greatly struggled for game time, making just five Championship appearances so far.

This led to reports that Everton could recall Holgate once the January transfer window arrived. However, Everton boss Sean Dyche has said no talks have been held in that regard.

"No," Dyche replied, via the Daily Echo, when asked if talks had taken place over a Holgate recall.

"The player made it clear he wants that fresh feel about going somewhere else.

"(He wanted) a new challenge. He wanted to get his teeth into it, and I'm sure that's what he will be doing.

"I know he hasn't played as much as he'd have wanted, but that's part of a professional's life. He's a Southampton player at this current time."