It is clear that the squad still needs to be supplemented with a striker despite the best efforts of Danny Ings and Sam Vokes. The two together may well be an adequate replacement for Charlie Austin but should we lose either of them to injury or suspension then we could have a problem. Rumours are now also hitting the press that we could face a battle to keep Danny Ings when the January window opens with Premier League clubs ready to swoop.
So what are we doing about it? The emegency loan window is still open so we could still bring in a striker via that route and would have a maximum of 93 days to retain their services.
Burnley are still thought to be interested in a loan deal for Saints striker Billy Sharp. They were looking to sign him on loan in the summer but like many clubs interested in the former Doncaster Rovers striker seem to have been thwarted on the financial front. Southampton have apparantly told all interested parties that they want the striker’s £20,000-a-week wages to be covered in full. Doncaster Rovers were hoping to bring him back to the Keepmoat but were put off by the wages demand and have since signed Manchester United striker Federico Macheda on loan.
Another of Sharp’s former clubs, League One Sheffield United are also thought to have pulled out for the same reason. The Blades too may have more money than other clubs after a Saudi prince earlier this month invested in the Yorkshire club but they too were not prepared to pay his full salary and instead they have now signed ex-Watford and Birmingham City striker Marlon King on a deal until the end of the season.
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