Saints will allow Jay Rodriguez out on loan in a bid to kick-start to his career, but want to sign a replacement during this transfer window if he is to go.

The striker has been plagued by injuries over the past couple of seasons, and has started this campaign amongst the subs once again.

Saints are prepared to let Rodriguez move on a temporary basis to allow him first team football to rebuild his fitness and confidence.

It is understood that several Premier League clubs have expressed an interest in Rodriguez, and with Saints wanting to ensure he receives regular first team football it looks most likely he will be loaned to West Brom with Tony Pulis ready to give him much needed playing time.

However, Saints are wary of allowing him to leave without a replacement having either been signed or firmly lined up to join by the close of the transfer window a week tomorrow, and that remains a potentially decisive factor in any move.

Rodriguez, 27, is currently seen as unlikely to get the run of games he badly needs in Claude Puel’s team.

Nathan Redmond and Shane Long are being considered as the first choice strike force with Charlie Austin also trying to secure a place in the team.

Though Rodriguez is still highly valued by Saints, they appreciate the he really needs to play a string of matches to regain his fitness and sharpness before he will compete for a regular spot in the team again.

That is the logic, therefore, of allowing him out on loan.

Saints hope to see Rodriguez gain that vital match sharpness and to start scoring goals to get his confidence back, so that when he returns he can slot back in and return to being the player that is so fondly remembered.

Rodriguez joined Saints from Burnley for £7m just over four years ago, and had two strong seasons at St Mary’s.

In his first he scored nine times in 37 appearances before really coming alive in his second campaign, where he was the club’s top scorer with 17 in 39 games, earning him an England debut in the process.

However, disaster struck in April 2015 when he tore his ACL in a game at Manchester City.

The injury was initially scheduled to rule him out for around six-nine months, but complications meant he didn’t make another competitive appearance for 16 months.

He was battling back last season, and scored three goals, but was suffering with a foot problem, which ultimately required surgery, setting him back further.