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Five relegation-threatened players Southampton should look to sign

By Chris Hughes

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Claude Puel, Manager of Southampton (L) and his staff look on prior to the Premier League match between Southampton and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary's Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Claude Puel, Manager of Southampton (L) and his staff look on prior to the Premier League match between Southampton and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary's Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /
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SWANSEA, WALES – APRIL 02: Adama Traore of Middlesbrough (L) and Leroy Fer of Swansea City (R) battle for possession during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Middlesbrough at the Liberty Stadium on April 2, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES – APRIL 02: Adama Traore of Middlesbrough (L) and Leroy Fer of Swansea City (R) battle for possession during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Middlesbrough at the Liberty Stadium on April 2, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

2. Adama Traore

When you consider that Middlesbrough have conceded less goals than any other team in the bottom half of the table, you’d imagine that George Friend or Ben Gibson would be the man that the Saints would look at.

Instead, Adama Traore is arguably the best prospect among Boro’s ranks that Southampton should look at, despite his obvious flaws.

In 28 Premier League appearances for both Aston Villa and now Middlesbrough, the 21-year-old is yet to find the back of the net, but that doesn’t take away his impact for the side.

The Barcelona academy graduate is averaging around 5.6 dribbles per game and is drawing just under two fouls, highlighting his presence on the offense and the danger he provides.

Down the wing Nathan Redmond and Sofiane Boufal are the only first-team players who provide a combination of pace and creativity, and with the latter currently injured the Saints lack true width.

Signing the young Spaniard, who was linked with Chelsea in January, would add a lot of penetration in and around the opposition’s final third, and with a finishing touch he could prove to be one of the league’s top young wingers.