Pete O’Rourke has issued a transfer update on a potential Southampton target…

What’s the word?

Speaking to This is Futbol, he referenced Callum Hudson-Odoi as someone who could come into the St Mary’s Stadium and have an instant impact.

He claimed: “There’s been a bit of a change at Southampton this year, going down the younger route of signing younger players, in which Hudson-Odoi also fits that bill as well.

“But yeah, on his day Hudson-Odoi is a top attacking player in the Premier League, so if Southampton were to get him, I’m sure they’ll have to beat off a host of clubs to get him, and again it would be a real signing of intent from Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team.”

Fabrizio Romano had previously suggested that Southampton were seeking to sign the youngster on loan.

Imagine him and Aribo

Southampton boast a fine record of developing young talent into world-class stars, and some of their former players have risen to the very top of the game including the likes of Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott. Therefore, the potential to craft Hudson-Odoi into something similar would, as O'Rourke alludes to, be a real statement of intent.

Bringing in the tricky 21-year-old from Chelsea could benefit both club and player too, as Hudson-Odoi could finally be given some much-needed game time as Hasenhuttl will benefit from gaining a wonderful talent.

He could link up well with another summer signing Joe Aribo, bought for £10m, who has started his career at the club well with his first goal off the bench against Leeds United.

Last season for Rangers the Nigerian scored eight and assisted a further six from midfield, and his keen eye for a pass could see Hudson-Odoi profit.

The £120k-per-week English winger ranked in the top 5% for progressive carries per 90, and he could drive his side further up the pitch and create chances for any attackers or even for late arrivals into the box like Aribo.

Both of these players could quickly form a symbiotic relationship and adding on his shot-creating actions, of which he also ranks in the top 8%, this theory is further supported.

The winger was once dubbed “something special” by Liam Canning and perhaps he could finally realise his potential with a move to the south coast and in turn boost Hasenhuttl’s squad tenfold.

The partnership he could form with Aribo could be integral in keeping the Saints well clear of a relegation battle and as a result, would surely send out a strong signal of intent to the rest of the teams in the bottom half of the Premier League.