Now into the second half of the season, Southampton desperately need an upturn in form. The Saints currently find themselves spared from the drop zone by just one place and one point in the Premier League table and relegation would be nothing short of catastrophic for a club that has cemented itself as a comfortable top flight side over the last few years.

Yet, it's no secret what Southampton's biggest problem is; despite creating the seventh-most chances of any side in the division this term, they've averaged just one goal per match and have lacked a striker who can find the net on a regular basis. Finding one will surely be Southampton's biggest priority this January, but what are the options for Mauricio Pellegrino to ponder?

Football FanCast take a look at four Premier League solutions to Southampton's striker problem...

Javier Hernandez

It may be dependent on Andy Carroll's potential departure but Javier Hernandez is a wasted force at West Ham. The Mexico striker boasts a strong scoring record at both Premier League and international level but just hasn't been able to make himself a key part of the starting XI since moving to the London Stadium and was deemed expendable by David Moyes practically as soon as he accepted the Irons job.

It's a potent finisher Southampton need and although his hold-up play often leaves something to be desired, Chicharito is certainly one of those. It has been claimed the Hammers are ready to part with Manchester United's one-time supersub and after signing him for around £17million last summer, he strikes a good balance between price-tag and proven ability.

But the fact he's already 29 could put off Saints, who tend to only make investments with obvious resale value.

Kelechi Iheanacho

Another talented striker a big-money summer move simply hasn't worked out for.

Many predicted Leicester City's swoop for Kelechi Iheanacho would be one of the swoops of the summer, but after spending the first few weeks of the season trying to keep a place in the starting XI under Craig Shakespeare, the Nigerian forward has found himself almost completely frozen out by Claude Puel.

The 21-year-old reminded everybody of his potential earlier this week, however, with a brace against Fleetwood Town in the FA Cup and his strike-rate for Manchester City was an impressive one goal per 100 minutes across all competitions.

It's believed Leicester are ready to part with the 13-cap international after just half a season, but there is an obvious danger in placing the pressure to find goals in a relegation battle on such young shoulders.

Troy Deeney

Troy Deeney may be Watford captain but Marco Silva has never quite warmed to the powerful striker and on the most-part this season has allowed Andre Gray to lead the line instead with Deeney starting just seven times in the top flight.

Regardless, Deeney has been one of the better forwards outside of the top six over the last few seasons, netting 23 times during his first two Premier League campaigns, and has a knack for scoring important goals, most particularly from the penalty spot. Also a good option for bringing others into the game with his power and height, Deeney represents exactly what Southampton have lacked this season - a genuine focal point in the final third.

But the 29-year-old isn't getting any younger and he's struggled for consistency during his time in the Premier League.

Michy Batshuayi

Antonio Conte has made it repeatedly clear that he doesn't trust Michy Batshuayi and it's not that hard to see why. In terms of movement and hold-up play, he leaves a lot to be desired for a 24-year-old striker and a fully fledged Belgium international.

But if there's one thing Batshuayi does well, it's score goals; he's netted eleven goals with his right foot, five with his left, one header and one penalty during his time in England, highlighting the impressive variety to his finishing. If Southampton can provide a steady supply line, Batshuayi will undoubtedly score goals.

But Saints will have to act quickly to acquire the athletic striker's services - a number of clubs from across Europe have been linked with the Chelsea man this month. Transfermarkt value Batshuayi at a reasonable £22.5million.

So, Southampton fans, which striker would you sign? Let us know by voting below...

https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/january-window.mp4