RONALD Koeman has been urged to sign a new striker in the January transfer window.

A Daily Echo poll revealed that 76 per cent of supporters believe Saints need to bolster their numbers in forward positions.

With Jay Rodriguez out injured, Shane Long is the only senior back-up to top-scorer Graziano Pelle.

Supporters are clearly concerned about the options available to Koeman in attack.

Pelle has scored nine goals in all competitions this term, while Sadio Mane has netted five, and there is clearly a perception that overly relying on those two could cost Saints. 

The big Italian has kept himself in good form this term, but with the suspensions and injuries that inevitably creep in after a few months of the season, there is an argument that Saints need to recruit another striker as they aim for European places. 

With Pelle picking up a booking against Stoke, meaning he is banned for Saturday’s trip to Manchester City, it suddenly exposes the depth, or lack of it, in that particular department.

There is talk of Mane leading the line, as he has done in the past, and Long could also fill the void left by Pelle.

It might be that academy youngster Ryan Seager could provide cover.  Ultimately, though, the former Feyenoord man is one of the most irreplaceable players in the Saints squad.

While Long, Mane and Seager can provide speed and technical ability, Pelle offers the height and physical presence that makes him so effective at the head of the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Koeman has refused to rule-out spending in January, and it wouldn’t be unsurprising if Saints added a player that could support Pelle in attack. 

Another goalscorer would come at a high price, and it would be even more costly to go for one halfway through the season.

But another attacker to support the Italian could be a shrewd bit of business, especially on a loan deal.