Southampton vs West Brom: Three takeaway thoughts from Saints’ victory

It could be an interesting transfer deadline day for Southampton

With Hasenhuttl ending media speculation by confirming that the deal for young French midfielder Diallo has now been completed, there was a playful grin on the manager’s face when questioned about further incomings to St Mary’s. There are a still a couple of areas where Saints are a little light. Firstly, in terms of a number ten type player to play understudy to Armstrong and secondly, on the wing, with the imminent departure of the mercurial Sofiane Boufal expected.

There has been no lack of players linked with Saints, with the likes of Loftus-Cheek, Tom Davies, Theo Walcott and Marko Grujic amongst those touted for a move to the South Coast. Whilst nostalgia would play a part in Saints fans wanting Walcott to return to the club where he set the world alight as a schoolboy, realistically Loftus-Cheek would be the player many fans would want to see.

Hampered by injuries and a lack of opportunities at Chelsea, one suspects wages would be the biggest stumbling block in bringing Loftus-Cheek in, presumably on loan. With various journalists suggesting that Saints are unwilling to contribute significantly to his wages, this may well be an unlikely move but there is no doubting that he would add some skill and physicality to the Southampton midfield.

If Saints can bring in another player or two, the portents from the last two games suggest that Saints are on track for another successful season. As with manager Hasenhuttl, one imagines most supporters won’t be turning their phones off on deadline day.