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The Daily Express reported in December that Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl was plotting a £14 million January move for Hertha Berlin striker Davie Selke.

As things stand, a move for Selke hasn’t come to pass, perhaps because the Saints boss has realised there may be an internal solution his squad’s lack of striking depth.

On the chalkboard

Selke is a fine player, and at just 23 years of age has plenty of room for improvement. However, his form in the Bundesliga so far this season - just one goal and two assists in 15 appearances - suggests that he isn’t yet ready to have a real impact in the Premier League.

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The Saints do need additional depth in their attacking contingent, but Hasenhuttl would be better served by investing his funds elsewhere in the squad and calling upon academy graduate Sam Gallagher to offer his strikers the cover they need.

Gallagher has been injured for much of the season so far, but has now finally returned to full fitness. 

Taking his chance

What’s more, the 23-year-old has a similar profile and style of game to Selke. Gallagher is a creative player with good technique, but someone who can also use his physicality smartly and put his 6’4” frame to good use.

Tactically, the former England under-20 international would offer Hasenhuttl something of plan B, as he represents more of a target man figure than the likes of Danny Ings and Charlie Austin.

Gallagher could get a chance to prove his worth in Southampton’s upcoming FA Cup clash with Derby County, as Ings, Austin and Michael Obafemi have all been ruled out. If he takes this opportunity, he could potentially save the Saints £14 million this month.