Southampton's start to the season can be described as positive. However, a lack of cutting edge in front of goal has proved the downfall of Claude Puel's side.

Ahead of the winter transfer window, the club must target someone to end their poor return of goals. Southampton have averaged just one goal per game in the Premier League this season, a rather unwelcome statistic.

The loss of Sadio Mané has proved a major blow for the Saints, with their attacking strengths diminishing since the Senegal forward departed for Liverpool.

Nonetheless, Puel has defied the odds to ensure the south coast club challenge for European places once more. The defensive displays cannot be faulted, but their attacking options remain limited and flat.

Charlie Austin hit a hot streak earlier in the season but has scored just once in his last six appearances across all competitions and Puel's options beyond the former QPR star are bleak.

With that in mind, Football FanCast have taken a look at five strikers Southampton should target when the transfer window reopens in January.

Solomon Rondon

Rondon

The Venezuelan should remain high on the priority list for Puel as his style of play is well suited to that on the south coast.

At West Brom, Rondon will not be able to compete for European football, and his return of goals in the black country is nothing to be sniffed at.

His physical style and goal-scoring ability suggest Rondon is more than capable of leading the line at Southampton. A £20million transfer bid is something West Brom would consider seriously.

Troy Deeney

Troy Deeney

Once Deeney finally scores his 100th goal for Watford, what can the English forward realistically achieve with the Hornets?

A move to Southampton would undeniably be a step up for Deeney, who should be aiming for European football.

With Deeney, the Saints would get a goal-scorer and also a real leader in the final third. Deeney would be a step up from the current options at Puel's disposal.

Daniel Sturridge

Sturridge scores v Scotland

There's nothing more important to Daniel Sturridge than feeling wanted and appreciated for his goal-scoring ability.

The striker has spent his career playing second fiddle at whatever club he has represented. Should the England forward consider a move to Southampton, he would instantly become the leading player at St. Mary's - everything he's wanted during his career.

A £25million bid would likely see Liverpool contemplate his future and the significance of such a signing could not be underestimated.

Jermain Defoe

Jermain Defoe

If you want goals, Defoe is surely the answer. Whether his arrival would be welcomed on the south coast remains to be seen due to his previous ties with Bournemouth and Portsmouth.

Were it not for Defoe, Sunderland would now be playing Championship football as his goals proved invaluable for the Black Cats last season. Against Hull last Saturday, Defoe scored his 150th Premier League strike.

Puel could do with Defoe's expertise and lethal finishing in front of goal to secure European football once more for the Saints.

Quincy Promes

promes

The surprise name on the list no doubt, but the Spartak Moscow forward is desperate to make a move to England after so many impressive displays in Russia.

The Dutch international would be the ideal replacement for Mané and is a similar player to the former Southampton forward.

The 24-year-old is unquestionably the best foreign player in Russia at the moment and is spearheading Spartak's charge for a first domestic crown since 2001.