According to reports in The Telegraph, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is already looking to replace striker Michy Batshuayi during the January transfer window following the 2-1 defeat against bottom-of-the-table Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

The Eagles came into the clash against the Blues having failed to pick up a point or score a goal in the Premier League this term, but they walked away 2-1 winners thanks to an own goal from Cesar Azpilicueta and a Wilfried Zaha strike.

Batshuayi, who according to The Telegraph came close to leaving the club on loan during the summer, was handed a rare start – just his third in the top flight for the west London outfit following his move from Marseille in 2016 – but he failed to make an impression in the absence of the injured Alvaro Morata and was replaced by Pedro in the 57th minute.

Meanwhile, Southampton have made a stuttering start to the campaign and they are once again struggling in front of goal despite Manolo Gabbiadini's brace against Newcastle United on Sunday, with three of their seven Premier League goals this season coming from the penalty spot.

Here are three reasons Saints should look to sign Batshuayi in January…

Goals

While they did score twice against Newcastle on Saturday, Southampton have still failed to score in 10 of their last 16 Premier League matches – and nine of their last 11 in all competitions at St Mary's – and manager Mauricio Pellegrino will surely be looking to strengthen his frontline in the New Year.

If Batshuayi is available then he is surely one of the players the south coast outfit will consider, as he has shown he can be prolific despite his struggle to get a regular spot in the Chelsea starting XI.

While the Belgian is yet to score in the English top flight this term, he has scored five goals in nine appearances – including what could prove to be a crucial winner away at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League – while he also netted nine goals in 28 first team outings last season despite the fact the majority of those came from the substitutes' bench.

Point to prove

Batshuayi looked particularly frustrated – either with himself, Antonio Conte or maybe both – when he was substituted before the hour-mark against Crystal Palace on Sunday, and if he does leave Chelsea in the New Year he will certainly have a point to prove.

If the 24-year-old is sent out on loan by the Premier League holders then he will know that he needs to prove to Conte that he does have a future at Stamford Bridge, and that mentality and determination to find the net and develop as a Premier League striker would surely be hugely beneficial for Southampton, in what is already looking like it is going to be a tough season for the south coast outfit.

Loan deal

A lot of clubs will already suspect that Southampton will be looking to strengthen their attacking options in the New Year having looked largely toothless so far this term, and those teams could choose to up their prices in what is already a volatile month for transfer fees during the middle of the season.

In that respect a loan move for Batshuayi – who Chelsea would probably still rather send out on a temporary basis rather than a permanent one despite his struggles – could prove to be beneficial for the south coast outfit.

They certainly wouldn't have to shell out big money to sign a striker from abroad – even though it did work with Manolo Gabbiadini earlier this year.

Do you agree, Saints fans? Let us know below.