The Daily Mail has named Southampton as one of the potential suitors for Danny Welbeck after Watford announced he had been released on Tuesday, having shown interest in him during recent weeks.

The former Arsenal ace is available on a free transfer after a disappointing stint with the Hornets. According to the Hertfordshire Mercury, he has a number of clubs chasing his signature and the Saints are amongst the admirers.

Southampton should pull the plug on Welbeck

Ralph Hasenhuttl has welcomed a good range of new recruits over the threshold this window. Loan signing Theo Walcott arrives ready to fill a hole in the Southampton attack, whilst Mohammed Salisu and Ibrahima Diallo provide depth across the defence. Kyle Walker-Peters has already slotted straight into the starting lineup, playing every minute so far this season.

However, the links to Welbeck aren't something the club should be looking to pursue, despite the attraction of the free transfer.

Welbeck history and stats

Despite boasting two league titles and a Champions League trophy with Manchester United, plus two FA Cups with Arsenal, Welbeck has hit a massive decline in recent years. The 42-cap England striker is now struggling to find a club who wants to give him game time.

The 29-year-old managed just two Premier League goals and one assist in 18 appearances (via Transfermarkt) for Watford last season. It was a tough run for Welbeck after being deprived of playing time at Arsenal the season before, making a mere 14 appearances across all competitions and bagging five goals. In comparison to controversial Southampton figure Shane Long, his 2019/20 stats are worse than the 33-year-old's two goals and three assists.

This is a huge comparison to the man that netted 12 goals and seven assists in his 2011/21 season with United. But even Nigel Pearson saw glimmers of the old Welbeck following his move to Watford.

"He's a player with a lot of ability and he's had a really good career," the Hornets boss said following a win over Norwich last season (via Bet365). "To have a winner of such quality is great for us because it was a difficult game."

However, Welbeck wasn't able to live up to expectations and is now on the hunt for a new club. With Danny Ings in their arsenal, Southampton already have a focal point of their attack. Signing the Watford castaway would be a pointless move for all involved.

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