Southampton could make a move to sign Newcastle United striker Chris Wood in the January transfer window, although it may well depend on the future of Ralph Hasenhuttl, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The owners, Sport Republic, splashed more than £60 million on new recruits in the summer but may be required to invest again at the turn of the year.

What is the latest on Wood?

The 30-year-old has been handed a fresh opportunity in the North East after it was confirmed summer signing Alexander Isak will be out until after the World Cup with a thigh injury.

It leaves Eddie Howe with just Callum Wilson and Wood to choose from when it comes to leading the line.

Wood has started just one Premier League game this season – a 1-1 draw away to Wolverhampton Wanderers – and had to settle for a cameo off the bench against Manchester United on Sunday.

However, with Isak’s troubles and Wilson’s injury history, there is every chance Howe will turn to the 33-goal New Zealand star more often ahead of the World Cup next month.

Wood - who has previously been described as a 'natural goalscorer' and 'horrible to play against' - only made the move to St James’ Park during the January transfer window after a £25 million fee was agreed with Burnley. But the arrival of Isak cast doubt over his future.

Jones has previously told GiveMeSport that the forward would be made available for transfer once the January window opens for business. So, could Southampton take advantage?

What Jones said on the situation?

Jones believes that Wood could provide a solution to Southampton’s lack of goal threat this season.

The journalist adds that, with Hasenhuttl’s future in doubt, it may depend on what the next manager at St Mary’s wants to do as well.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I guess it will depend on the type of manager they end up getting in if Hasenhuttl does go. But there's no doubt that this team lack goal threat and Chris Wood might fit the bill.”

Do Southampton need a new striker?

The Saints have slipped into the relegation zone in the Premier League and have found the back of the net on just nine occasions in 10 games, a record that only beats four sides in the top flight.

Of those nine goals, Hasenhuttl’s strikers – Che Adams, Adam Armstrong and Sekou Mara – have scored just three, showing there is a lack of finesse in the final third.

To his credit, after landing Mara, the Austrian continued to insist the club were in need of another striker on the south coast in order to compete, but he was not granted that wish.

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