According to TEAMtalk, Southampton are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Wigan Athletic attacking midfielder and former Manchester United flop Nick Powell before the January transfer window slams shut.

TEAMtalk says that Saints, along with Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion and Championship clubs Derby County and Aston Villa, are leading the chase for the 23-year-old, who is enjoying an impressive campaign for the Latics.

Powell has scored 11 goals in 23 matches for the League One leaders – averaging a goal every 153 minutes – as they look remain on course to make an instant return to the Championship.

The Crewe Alexandra graduate is certainly enjoying more success than he did with the Red Devils, whom he left for the DW Stadium in 2016 having scored one goal in nine appearances after moving to Old Trafford in a deal that could have been worth £6m in 2012.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United are precariously positioned three points above the Premier League relegation zone and manager Rafa Benitez's transfer plans have taken a hit after owner Mike Ashley reportedly pulled the plug on a potential takeover deal with PCP Partners.

The Spaniard will now look to Ashley to provide him with some finds to strengthen his squad in the remaining days of the window, and bringing Powell to St James' Park could prove to be a shrewd move.

Here are three reasons Newcastle must hijack Southampton's bid to sign the in-form No 10…

Perez competition

When Benitez has gone with a 4-2-3-1 formation this season, it has often been Ayoze Perez that has started in the No 10 role behind the striker.

However, the Spaniard simply isn't doing enough there in terms of being a threat in the final third having scored twice and picked up one assist in 21 Premier League appearances this term, and he needs to have more of an impact.

Powell certainly seems to have improved and matured during his time at Wigan, and he may be able to push Perez and provide some much-needed competition for the Spaniard.

Goals

Newcastle have only scored 21 goals in their 23 Premier League matches this season and unless that record improves in their final 15 matches, they could find themselves in real danger at the end of the campaign.

While there is no guarantee that Powell will bring his impressive goal record in League One this term to the top flight, he at least has some experience of playing there and would add a much-needed goal threat for the Magpies from a deeper position.

Price tag

TEAMtalk suggests that Powell could be available for as little as £1.5m before the January window closes, and that amount will certainly attract Newcastle given Benitez is unlikely to have a huge budget to spend this month.

While he seems to have been around for ages, Powell is still only 23 years of age and his form for Wigan over the course of the last two seasons shows the potential he still has to improve and eventually become a Premier League star.

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