Claude Puel has endured a stuttering start to his Southampton reign this season.

Two draws at home to Watford and Sunderland respectively have been punctuated by a loss at Old Trafford to Manchester United, leaving the Saints without a win going into the international break.

Once again this year they've seen some of their best players leave - Victor Wanyama left for Spurs whilst Graziano Pelle decided a move to the Chinese Super League was what he wanted and as yet the South Coast club have yet to fully work out how to replace them.

Nevertheless, if there is one club who can solve this kind of problem, it's Saints. High profile departures for the last few years have been negated by good acquisitions in the market and the new boss will hope this season is no different as they embark on Europa League football next month.

Puel may decide to dip his toes into the transfer market once more before it closes to ensure his squad is as strong as possible and here at Football FanCast we think this give from Serie A deserve a mention in his thoughts...

Faouzi Ghoulam

With Ryan Bertrand injured, Matt Targett has filled in at left and back and done well but with no European experience there'll inevitably be question marks over his ability to play in the Europa League. If Claude Puel has the same doubts he should look at the Algerian Ghoulam who knows what it's like to play in Europe as well as compete with the best given he plays for Napoli.

Dries Mertens

Southampton currently lack width, even with the signing of Sofiane Boufal, especially with Puel preferring to play a diamond in midfield and two up front. Sadio Mane was another that left the club this season and he gave the Saints pace allowing them to stretch teams so they need to replace that as soon as possible. Dries Mertens would be suitable with his direct playing style whilst he also has experience of playing in Europe.

Giacomo Bonaventura

For many, Bonaventura was the stand out performer in AC Milan's campaign last season as they tried desperately to rediscover what made them once one of the most feared sides in Europe. He can play as an attacking midfielder or down the right and that would give the Saints the much needed ability to mix things up. The South Coast club are quite predictable at the moment so something needs to change.

Josip Ilicic

The Slovenian international scored 13 goals in 30 games for Fiorentina last season and that was from midfield. Every side needs good goal-scoring midfielders in order to compete at the highest level so signing Ilicic would allow the Saints to do so. He also scored twice in the Florence team's Europa League games and so could bring that to the table, too.

Mattia Destro

Southampton have gone with Nathan Redmond up top along with either Shane Long or Charlie Austin and whilst Redmond has done okay, he's going to need time to morph into a proper striker. Meanwhile, Austin has fitness concerns so the club should be looking at someone like Destro as another option. He's off the mark this season for Bologna and boasts experience from AS Roma and AC Milan so he certainly has pedigree.