Southampton completing the signing of VfB Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic would represent a big "improvement" according to journalist Peter O'Rourke.

What's the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O'Rourke said:

“I think up front they’re maybe a bit light. So, I think Kalajdzic would be an improvement on what they’ve got already and a focal point that maybe they’ve been missing for the last couple of seasons.

“So, I think he could be a real good signing for Southampton, and I’m sure there’ll be other clubs interested in him as well.”

Saints are one of several clubs interested in signing the Austrian centre-forward, but face stiff competition from fellow Premier League clubs Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion as well as Portuguese side Benfica.

The Athletic's David Ornstein reported their interest back in May, but a formal offer is yet to be made for the player who is rated at €25m (£21m) by his club.

He's an"Ibrahimovic-Machine"

Kalajdzic produced some impressive displays in the Bundesliga last season appearing 15 times and being directly involved in seven goals. At only 25 years old he also has many years ahead of him to improve.

Given the clubs that have shown interest, it would be a real coup for Saints to sign him and he would offer them something different compared to their current options.

At 6 foot 6 inches, Kalajdzic is the tallest player in the German top division and it has led to him being compared to some notable tall players.

In an interview with bundesliga.com two years ago he was asked what nicknames he's been given, and he said how he's been compared with Peter Crouch as well as being called an "Ibrahimovic-Machine".

Tall "lanky" players have had success in the Premier League in the past, with Ibrahimovic himself scoring 17 goals in 33 league appearances during his time at United.

Could Kalajdzic follow in his footsteps by moving to Old Trafford? or could he relish the chance to link up with his fellow countryman Ralph Hasenhuttl at Southampton?

Supporters of the south coast side will be hoping it's the latter, and with the club in desperate need of reinforcements up front to ensure they don't find themselves in a relegation battle next season, they should do everything they can to sign him.

AND in other news: Hassenhuttl can form “spectacular” Saints duo by swooping for “quality” £10m maestro...