Southampton may have only netted 43 goals throughout their previous Premier League campaign, but they still racked up more shot-creating actions (732) than 12 other teams in the top flight.

One man in Ralph Hasenhuttl's squad who played a big part throughout the 2021/22 season in an attacking sense is James Ward-Prowse.

With 36 league appearances under his belt and more minutes played than anyone else at St Mary's, the midfielder ended the campaign with more goal contributions (15), shots at goal (51), shot-creating actions (113) and progressive passes (135) than any other player at the south coast club.

This highlights just how crucial a figure he has been and why so much of their attacking play comes through him.

In terms of potential incoming transfers before the summer window closes, one man who has been mentioned with a move to St Mary's and who has the potential to form a deadly duo with the Southampton skipper is Manchester City striker Liam Delap.

Despite reportedly having a permanent bid for the striker rejected by the Premier League champions, who would apparently prefer a loan move for their player, a temporary deal could be the best option for the Saints if they want the teenager as part of their squad for next season.

Having made 60 appearances for City across their senior and youth teams, the 19-year-old has found the net 46 times and delivered 16 assists in the process.

This shows the clinical goalscoring talent that he has and hints at how much he could flourish in the Premier League with a player like Ward-Prowse behind him setting up goalscoring opportunities.

Delap's senior debut for City came in a 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Bournemouth in 2020. His performance on the night was described as "superb" by journalist Jonathan Smith, who also hailed the striker's goal in that match as a "stunning" one.

This highlights just how capable the youngster is at playing at a senior level and offering a goalscoring threat for his team.

Taking all this into account, if Southampton can secure a potential loan deal for the City starlet and get him playing with Ward-Prowse, this could be just what Hasenhuttl needs to make his team a much more potent goalscoring outfit.

AND in other news - "Understand..": The Athletic journalist drops big Saints update, Hasenhuttl will love it