Three strikers Southampton should sign to replace Graziano Pelle feat. West Ham star

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If they are after a forward with Premier League experience, then Enner Valencia could well fill the gap that Pelle leaves behind him on the South Coast. The West Ham striker appears to be out of favour under Slaven Bilic, albeit due to an unfortunate run of injuries. He was restricted to just 19 appearances in the Premier League last term, which came as a disappointment for Hammers fans who; just the previous season, had witnessed how valuable and impressive Valencia is leading the line.

The Ecuadorian has ten goals and seven assists in 56 games in his two year spell at West Ham, showing he can affect the game in various ways, although perhaps not with the frequency that many would like. Despite only being 5 ft 8, Valencia has an excellent heading ability. This is certainly an attribute which will fit Southampton’s style of play perfectly, with Pelle excelling when crosses came into the box in previous seasons.

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His international record speaks volumes of Valencia’s ability too, with 16 goals in 29 games for Ecuador, including three at the 2014 Fifa World Cup. If Southampton were to match the £13 million price tag that Enner Valencia currently holds, then they will be investing in an already proven goal-scorer with plenty of potential still to possibly come.

Bas Dost will be a name that is not quite as recognisable as the previous strikers, but the Dutch centre forward has been scoring goals for Wolfsburg consistently for the last couple of seasons. The 27-year-old stands at 6 ft 5, and is one of the most accomplished poachers in the Bundesliga.

His gangly frame, much like that of Peter Crouch, can be deceiving. With 30 goals in 67 matches, he has started to draw the attention of sides all around Europe. Perhaps most impressive about his goals are the proportion which are one-touch finishes. His knack to find a pocket of space within the penalty area is a feature to his game that has always been in his locker, but only recently has it really come to fruition for European football fans to see.

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It is easy to envisage Dost fitting in at Southampton. He would bring out the best in Shane Long, holding the ball and linking up play for the Irishman. Not only this, but the supply of crosses into the box from wide positions would suit him immensely, with the Southampton full-backs playing a vital role in the attacking play from wide areas. Dost can very much be a hot and cold striker, but the Saints would possibly be able to bring out the best in him.

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