It's been a pretty underwhelming start for Southampton under their new boss Claude Puel.

The Frenchman came in with a good reputation in Ligue 1 but after three Premier League games he has yet to get a victory with the Saints.

The South Coast side drew 1-1 at home to Watford on the opening day before heading to Old Trafford to lose 2-0 against Manchester United. Then, at the weekend, they drew 1-1 again at home against Sunderland in a result that may cause Puel to reassess his playing squad before the end of the window.

With Europa League football firmly on the horizon the Saints need to have as strong a squad as possible. Their group consists of Inter Milan, Sparta Prague and Hapoel Be'er Sheva so they'll need to improve if they are to get out of that group.

Fortunately there's still time in the window to bring in recruits and we think these five La Liga stars would be a real help...

Gustavo Cabral

Cabral has been at Celta Vigo since 2013 and has been a key part of their defence. Celta impressed last season but have so far started this one fairly slowly, they lost on the opening day to newly promoted Leganes before being unfortunate to come away from Real Madrid with out at least a point, losing 2-1.

Nevertheless. Cabral is a good centre-half and would certainly give Jose Fonte and Virgil Van Dijk a run for their money.

Carlos Vela

Carlos Vela 2

Vela spent seven years on Arsenal's books but after a number of loan spells he didn't break into the team and moved to Real Sociedad in 2012.

Since then he has been strong both through the middle and down the flanks and that would complement Southampton's tactical set up well.

He has European experience too and that would help out the Saints in the Europa League this season.

Iker Muniain

Spanish international Iker Muniain

Muniain is one of the best dribblers in the game, which he combines with blistering pace to devastating effect.

The Spaniard hasn't left Athletic Bilbao yet but surely will in the next couple of years so Southampton should try and get in front of everyone else for his signature.

He might cost quite a bit but with the new TV money in the Premier League, the Saints can probably afford him.

Ander Iturraspe

With Victor Wanyama leaving, Oriol Romeu has been tasked to replace him in the Southampton side - no mean feat.

The club therefore should also be looking for other options in that holding role and Iturraspe could be just the man.

He's an imposing presence in the centre of the park but can play a bit too and that would make him a real contender to start at St. Mary's

Markel Susaeta

Markel Susaeta

Susaeta got to the Europa League final with Athletic Bilbao in 2012 and although they eventually lost to Atletico Madrid, the experience he earned of going on that run would be hugely valuable to Southampton.

He primarily plays as a right-winger and this would give Puel the option to mix things up from the 4-4-2 diamond he has been playing so far this season.