Southampton have recently been linked with a move for Celtic defender Jeremie Frimpong ahead of the January transfer window, which could spell trouble for right-back Yan Valery.

What's the word?

According to The Scottish Sun, the Saints are keen on signing the former Manchester City man next month, as he continues to impress for the Bhoys.

The 20-year-old joined Celtic from the Citizens in September 2019 and has enjoyed a superb first year with the club, quickly establishing himself as a first-team regular in Neil Lennon's side.

The right-back has 42 appearances to his name, in which he has contributed an impressive three goals and six assists.

Lennon will be desperate to keep hold of the young defender, however, as he was full of praise for him when he scored in Celtic's win against Hibernian last year, saying:

"I'm just delighted what he brings to the game, defensively or offensively and there is as an end product as well.

"He put a couple of chances on a plate which we should have benefited from.

"He's an outstanding talent who looks after himself. Watching him makes me tired, the amount of runs he makes, he wears people down.

"He is an amazing player. Amazing. With younger players, you want to look after them but you can't hold talent back."

Bye-bye Valery

However, with the Scottish side in poor form of late, with Lennon reportedly close to being sacked, there may be nothing he can do if Southampton come calling for Frimpong in January.

If he were to sign, you worry for Valery's future with the Saints, as the Frenchman has failed to make a single appearance for the club this season, following the signing of Kyle Walker-Peters from Spurs in the summer.

Certainly, Frimpong's performances for Celtic over the past year or so suggest that he would be a good addition to Hasenhuttl's squad at Southampton, so it will be interesting to see if the Saints consider a move for the £2.7 million-rated defender.

Martin Semmens must push for this signing as soon as possible.

And, in other news... Saints' only concern: Hasenhuttl has a big decision to make on "super-talented" winger