{"id":565442,"date":"2020-09-10T13:21:53","date_gmt":"2020-09-10T17:21:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=565442"},"modified":"2020-09-10T13:21:53","modified_gmt":"2020-09-10T17:21:53","slug":"southampton-manager-ralph-hasenhuttl-seeking-reinforcements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/09\/10\/southampton-manager-ralph-hasenhuttl-seeking-reinforcements\/","title":{"rendered":"Southampton Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl Seeking Reinforcements"},"content":{"rendered":"

Southampton<\/a> boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has indicated that the club are still actively in search of players for next season. The Austrian is looking to build upon last season\u2019s 11th placed finish with some additional reinforcements.<\/p>\n

Despite being content with where the club and the squad is ahead of their opening trip to Crystal Palace<\/a> on Saturday, Hasenhuttl wants to increase his squad depth and provide competition for places.<\/p>\n

Ralph Hasenhuttl Wants to Improve Southampton Squad for the 2020\/21 Campaign<\/h2>\n

Holding Midfielder High up on Priority List for Ralph Hasenhuttl<\/h3>\n

The 53-year-old confirmed that the club are actively seeking a holding midfielder. Following the sale of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg <\/a>to Tottenham<\/a>, Hasenhuttl stated that he and the club need to do something in that area.<\/p>\n

During pre-season the Saints have opted to stay with the formation that brought so much success in the second half of last season. Although both James Ward-Prowse<\/a> and Oriol Romeu<\/a> featured as much as Hojbjerg last season, Hasenhuttl remains focused on bringing a holding midfielder to the club.<\/p>\n

He said<\/a>: \u201cMore needs to be done, absolutely. We know we have lost a No 6 with Pierre gone and we need to do something. There is a long way to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Could a Striker be on Their Way to St Mary\u2019s?<\/h3>\n

It would be difficult to break the formidable strike partnership of Shane Long<\/a> and Danny Ings<\/a>. Despite only finding the back of the net twice last season, the former worked endlessly hard and was a constant threat.<\/p>\n

However, the Saints have shown interest in Club Brugge striker Emmanuel Dennis<\/a>. The Nigerian striker could be part of a deal that sees Southampton defender Wesley Hoedt<\/a> go the other way.<\/p>\n

Still a Decision to be Made About Their Goalkeeping situation<\/h3>\n

It seems clear that Alex McCarthy<\/a> will remain the number one at the club. However, the more complicated situation is who will be backing him up. Hasenhuttl confirmed that either Angus Gunn<\/a> or Fraser Forster<\/a> will be sent out on loan this season and a decision will be made over the next couple of weeks.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>