The West Ham United striker would be a risk, but potential a very useful addition for Southampton.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhüttl seems to be determined to freshen up his options at St Mary’s this month, in an effort to guide his side away from relegation trouble during the second half of the season.
One area in particular where the Austrian will want to bolster is his attacking department, especially after Manolo Gabbiadini completed his £12 million switch to Sampdoria today.
With this in mind, the Saints should perhaps consider taking a punt on West Ham hitman Andy Carroll, with Football.London reporting that the east London outfit are desperate to get rid of the 6ft 4in target man.
The 30-year-old has suffered horrendous luck with injuries over the past few years, so signing him would obviously not be without risk, but on his day he is unplayable, and he would offer Southampton something that they do not currently possess.
Carroll is arguably has the best aerial ability out of any striker in the Premier League, and that kind of physical presence would make him the perfect strike partner for Danny Ings.
The former Newcastle and Liverpool forward’s current deal with West Ham expires in the summer, so the Saints would surely be able to pick him up for a bargain fee this month.
Hasenhüttl likes his teams to play aggressive, direct football, and that would suit Carroll down to the ground.
If Southampton have the opportunity to prise him away from the London Stadium for a reduced fee, they quite simply must jump at the chance.
It could very well turn out to be the signing that keeps them up.
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