Yan Valery form means Southampton's interest in Omar Elabdellaoui makes little sense

By Jay Williams

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is weighing up his options ahead of the January transfer window.

The Saints boss wants to bring in some new players to bolster his side’s hopes of survival.

According to The Daily Mail, Southampton are keen on signing Omar Elabdellaoui this January.

Elabdellaoui is a right-back, although he can also play as a right midfielder, meaning he can feature as a full-back or a wing-back in Southampton’s system.

The 27-year-old has previously played in the Premier League when he joined Hull City on loan but he was relegated that season.

The Norway international, who is currently at Olympiacos, also came through the academy at Manchester City.

(Photo by Trond Tandberg/Getty Images)

But Southampton offering him a return to England makes little sense considering their current options in that department.

Yan Valery has broken into the first-team as their new right-back. And he is already thriving on the south coast.

The 19-year-old only made his senior debut this season but he already looks comfortable at Premier League level.

The France youth international will compete with Cedric Soares for the starting berth when the Portuguese defender returns.

The addition of Elabdellaoui would see Southampton unnecessarily stockpiling in a position that doesn’t need strengthening.

Hasenhuttl is better off targeting players in other positions to boost his Southampton squad.