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Manolo Gabbiadini could leave Southampton at the end of the season according to his agent, speaking to Radio Sportiva via Calcio Mercato.

What's the word?

With just one victory from their opening eight Premier League matches, Southampton look set to endure another season of struggle under Mark Hughes and the lack of quality in the final third has been a problem.

Danny Ings has established himself as the Saints' leading man but options are limited beyond the 26-year-old, with Manolo Gabbiadini struggling for form and earning just 141 minutes of Premier League action so far this season.

According to his agent, Silvio Pagliari, Gabbadini remains happy at Southampton but could consider his future at the end of the season in comments made to Radio Sportiva via Calcio Mercato.

What was said?

"Gabbiadini? He’s happy at Southampton. There was the possibility of returning to Italy, but right now we want to play the cards in the Premier League. At the end of the season we will draw the sums."

Stick or twist?

After hitting the ground running on the South Coast after his arrival in January 2017, scoring four goals in his first 11 Premier League appearances, Gabbiadini has since struggled and found the net just five times in 28 games last season.

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With Ings finding form, Gabbiadini has fallen down the pecking order in the eyes of Mark Hughes and it seems difficult for the Italy international to force his way back into the side given his recent displays unless he benefits from an injury or suspension to a team-mate.

Southampton could be tempted to cash-in given his market value of £10.8m on TransferMarkt but they would require a replacement, which could prove to be costly. However, it is certainly an area where improvements are needed and Gabbiadini has shown he is not up to scratch.