Ralph Hasenhuttl has identified Norwegian right back Omar Elabdellaoui as a potential January target as he looks to secure Premier League safety at Southampton.
The 27-year-old is currently at Olympiacos in Greece and has made 21 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring twice and providing five assists.
Elabdellaoui, a former Manchester City academy player, joined Hull City on loan in January 2017 as part of Marco Silva's failed attempt to keep them in the top flight.
Sportsmail understands Saints have a serious interest in bringing him to St Mary's when the window opens next week.
Southampton have won two and lost two of their games since Hasenhuttl was appointed as manager.
Following victories over Arsenal and Huddersfield, which earned Hassenhuttl much praise, Southampton were beaten 2-1 at home by West Ham on Thursday night.
The Saints, who are in 17th place in the table, will be seeking to respond when they host Manchester City on Sunday.
Hasenhuttl believes Southampton will have to produce a 'perfect performance' to pile more misery on Pep Guardiola's team.
Premier League champions City have slipped 10 points behind in-form leaders Liverpool following successive shock defeats against Crystal Palace and Leicester.
'It's not normal for Manchester City to lose two times in a row,' said Hasenhuttl.
'We expect the most difficult challenge that is possible.
'If we want to keep something in St Mary's we have to play a perfect performance.'