Southampton have had a slow start to the season this year.

Two home draws, both 1-1, against Watford and Sunderland and a defeat at Old Trafford to Manchester United has left them with two points going into the international break with a bit of work to do.

The club should not be panicking, though. As is often the way with the Saints they are having to adjust to new faces and significant losses. Claude Puel is trying to implement his way of playing whilst Ronald Koeman, Sadio Mane, Victor Wanyama and Graziano Pelle have all packed their bags.

The club are an attractive proposition to players though. They'll be competing in the Europa League group stages against the likes of Inter Milan next month and that in itself should draw players in to want to try and help the club perform on the continent and domestically.

Beating last year's sixth place would be some achievement but with these FIVE players being linked with potentially signing before the deadline, they might just be able to do it...

Rachid Ghezzal

Southampton are lacking width with Dusan Tadic being played centrally in a midfield diamond and Nathan Redmond becoming a makeshift centre forward under Claude Puel.

The club now have Sofiane Boufal on their books but it remains to be seen how he is used, so Puel may want to Ghezzal in so he has options for every system.

Wesley Hoedt

Both Southampton and Middlesbrough are reportedly interested in the young Dutch centre-half. Hoedt joined Lazio last summer and went on to make 25 appearances for the club but it's likely a move to Saints in particular would be of interest.

The club have Jose Fonte and Virgil Van Dijk but could definitely do with another strong option at centre-half to keep them on their toes.

Kieran Trippier

Trippier has found it hard going to earn a spot in Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham side since his move from Burnley.

He's been up against Kyle Walker and so far it hasn't worked so he could be up for a move. The Daily Star reported earlier this Summer there was interest from the South Coast club and so now with Trippier still not in the Spurs side, a deal could happen.

Ruben Semedo

Another centre half linked with the club earlier on in this window was the Sporting Lisbon man Semedo.

He was part of the side that lost out to Benfica in the title race last season and may now fancy the chance to test himself in one of the world's biggest leagues. Competition for places and strength in depth will be key to the Saints' fortunes this season and Semedo would help enhance that.

Jack Wilshere

With Arsenal willing to let Jack Wilshere leave on loan a number of clubs have already been linked with him. The Independent have been examining the England man's options and think Southampton could be a real possibility.

He'd certainly improve their midfield if he stayed fit and what's more when the Saints come up against the likes of Inter Milan in the Europa League he'd show no fear in taking them on - that could be vital.