Southampton could well be plotting a move to bolster their wide options soon, with recent reports suggesting that Celtic trickster, Jota, is one of those currently on the club’s shortlist.

Just at the start of October Football Insider revealed this news, with scouts reportedly having been sent to view the Portuguese talent.

Despite having brought in ten new faces, other than youngster Sam Edozie, Ralph Hasenhuttl did not opt for any first-team wingers to challenge the current crop.

That has left the likes of Stuart ArmstrongMohamed Elyounoussi and Moussa Djenepo as starters, despite having a combined goal tally of just one for the season.

The suggestion is that he would be a natural fit for the Premier League, with Alex McLeish dubbing him a “phenomenal player”.

Having been signed only this summer permanently, the 23-year-old had impressed last season whilst on loan at Celtic Park. It, therefore, does mean that his contract will run until 2027, increasing the premium that the Saints will likely have to pay.

However, with returns such as his 13 goals and 14 assists last season, and ten goal contributions in as many games in the Scottish Premiership this season, it is clear that Jota is a cut above the rest in Scotland and would be well worth a big fee

His displays led Ange Postecoglu to dub him a “threat” who had been “outstanding” in their match against Real Betis last season while other reviews have seen him labelled "special" by journalist Kieran Devlin.

The 5 foot 9 ace has unsurprisingly contributed effectively to Celtic’s overwhelming expected goals tally of 25.26, which other than Rangers is 12.74 higher than the nearest club.

Jota himself boasts the fifth-best attacking contribution in the league, averaging an expected goals of 0.41 and an expected assists of 0.44 per game; sensationally high numbers.

Meanwhile, Djenepo has just one goal contribution all season for the senior squad.

The Mali international has never been a real goal threat for the Saints, with four goals in his 78 appearances, but even his carries this season are not impressing.

He has made one carry that has led to a key pass, despite averaging 14 per 90.

Jota would provide much more than this underperforming wide man who offers little at St Mary’s nowadays.

Any fears over the player’s ability to make an impact in English football can be swayed by his consistent performances in Europe, where he scored two in his side’s miserable Champions League campaign this season, and contributed to four goals in five Europa League games last year.

With his consistently stellar performances, the Saints should swoop quickly to secure a big Djenepo upgrade before his price gets too high.