Southampton reportedly made an approach to sign Andrea Belotti recently and the Italian could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl's side.

Recent reports claim that both Wolves and Southampton have made an offer to bring in the free agent this summer, but he is currently holding out for an offer from AS Roma.

The 28-year-old established himself as one of the top strikers in Serie A during his time with Torino, making 251 appearances for Il Toro, in which he contributed an impressive 113 goals and 28 assists.

His former manager Moreno Longo sang his praises in 2020, saying:

"Andrea Belotti is an extraordinary striker and can score a goal at any moment."

Therefore, the prospect of signing an Italy international and proven goalscorer on a free transfer is surely a mouthwatering one for a lot of clubs, especially at Southampton where Hasenhuttl is currently low on natural striking options.

The Austrian currently has just Che Adams, Sekou Mara and Adam Armstrong to choose from up front, none of which have regularly found the back of the net in the Premier League, so a consistent goalscorer could have proved to be the catalyst in keeping the Saints clear of any relegation battle this season.

While Belotti does appear to be set on the idea of joining Roma, if Southampton can convince him to make the move to St Mary's, then he could prove to be Hasenhuttl's own version of Juventus sensation Dusan Vlahovic.

According to FBref, the Serbian forward is the ninth-most similar player to Belotti in terms of style of play, and considering his impressive form for Fiorentina before his £67m move to Juventus, he is not a bad player to be likened to.

Vlahovic hit 49 goals in 108 appearances for Fiorentina before moving to Turin in January, where his eye-catching goalscoring form has continued, with 11 goals in 23 appearances thus far.

Last season saw the two Serie A standouts register similar numbers in terms of shots per 90 minutes (3.61 vs 3.50), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.49 vs 2.42) and aerial duels won (41.9 vs 43).

WhoScored also suggests that both Belotti and Vlahovic both offer a threat from indirect set-pieces because of their ability in the air, which is something Southampton are arguably lacking following the departures of Shane Long and Armando Broja.

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Therefore, if Belotti's move to Roma does fall through, then Hasenhuttl should do all he can to bring Belotti to St Mary's, as he could prove to be the Austrian's own £67m man.