This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to The Sun (print version, 15th November, page 74), Southampton have flocked to the City Ground to take a look at Nottingham Forest right-back Matty Cash, along with Crystal Palace and Everton.

What's the word, then?

Well, Cash has enjoyed an excellent campaign so far since Sabri Lamouchi took over back in the summer.

Lamouchi cleverly decided to transform Cash - who was an energetic right-midfielder in the 2018/19 campaign - into a right-back upon being appointed as the Forest manager, and it has been an inspired decision from the 48-year-old.

Cash has scored two goals and grabbed two assists in his new role across 14 Championship appearances, winning an impressive 2.8 tackles per game as well as making 3.5 clearances per game.

The Daily Mail's secret scout had this to say about Cash when going to watch him:

"I wondered what prompted Nottingham Forest head coach Sabri Lamouchi to convert him from an energetic midfielder to a comfortable right back with a lot of responsibility within the team.

"From the start of the game, Matty Cash was positioning himself to cover others. He kept a sensible distance from his centre back but also got out quickly to challenge his opposing winger when threatened by a cross-field pass."

The 22-year-old has also displayed efficiency at the other end of the pitch with his four goal involvements.

A move for Cash would see 50% of Ralph Hasenhuttl's January plans complete

If the Saints did manage to get Cash to put pen to paper this winter, then half of Hasenhuttl's reported transfer plans for this January would come true.

The Mirror (print version, 12th November, page 53) reported that the former RB Leipzig boss wants to sign a 'top quality' centre-back as well as a new right-back this winter as he looks to help Southampton avoid relegation.

The south coast side are currently the worst defensive outfit in the Premier League, with 29 goals conceded in just 12 games, so it makes sense for Hasenhuttl to target reinforcements for his backline.

Just days after that report emerged, to see another that identifies Cash as a target is encouraging.

The need for another right-back at St Mary's is a pressing one given Cedric Soares' interview, in which he revealed that he wants to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Cash seems like he would be a good signing due to his form so far and his young age - if Hasenhuttl can get this one done, half of his reported desires for January will be complete.