Saints are being touted in the media to sign QPR striker Charlie Austin, but the big question is why Saints would be interested in doing so.
Saints have been linked with Charlie Austin before on more than one occasion, but the question is just where would he slot into the Saints side ?
Austin does not fit the usual profile for a Ronald Koeman signing in that he is an out and out centre forward and from that respect he could only be a direct replacement for Graziano Pelle unless Ronald Koeman intends changing his formation to play two out and out strikers up front.
Koeman already has several other strikers as in Mane, Long & Rodriguez who are not only able to play as out and out strikers when called upon but also able to play in a wide role.
This tends to suggest that these reports are nothing more than media speculation probably fuelled by the players agent.
If Austin was to arrive he would be unlikely to be an automatic choice and although it would be nice to have a player of his capabilities coming off the bench, I just cannot see Austin himself being content with that.
The big surprise of the summer is that no big club came in for him, rumours persist about his off the field lifestyle and perhaps this has lead to teams not being willing to take a chance on him and he has seen his star wane. A year ago he was on the verge of an England cap yet a year later he has not made the strides of his peers from last season, like Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy.
That is the only real reason you can see hi coming to Saints, he would be in a team where he can shine albeit in a reduced role and perhaps push his case for an England recall.
Other clubs linked are Bournemouth, Newcastle and Aston Villa, but that would surely be a ove that could put him back into the same position that he is now next season ie the Championship.
West Brom are also being touted and that could perhaps be a good move as he would not only have the chance of a place in the starting line up regularly, but would perhaps not be involved in a relegation battle.