The reported interest in a £10 million Southampton transfer target shows Russell Martin has identified exactly what he needs from a key component of his side next season.
Russell Martin knows there is plenty of work to be done to get his Southampton squad Premier League ready this summer.
The step up in quality associated with the Premier League is perhaps the biggest it has ever been and, considering Southampton finished fourth in the Championship before winning the play-offs, additions are needed.
With the permanent signings of Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Adam Lallana both confirmed already this close-season, Saint fans will be hoping to see a number of other players join them.
One reported target is Manchester City striker Liam Delap, with the interest in the man valued at £10 million an indication of what Martin is looking for to lead the line next season.
Liam Delap interest shows Russell Martin wants a target man
Martin’s footballing philosophy is centred around possession, with his Southampton side’s 65.5% average possession the highest in the Championship last season.
However, the fact he has identified the 6ft 1in Delap as a potential target could be telling.
Whilst he likes to build up through the thirds, Martin showed through his use of Che Adams last season that he is not against playing more directly into his striker’s feet to play off of.
Given Southampton will come under pressure at times in the Premier League next season, it is important to have an out-ball.
With Adams looking increasingly likely to leave following the end of his contract, someone else will have to perform the role.
Ross Stewart has hardly featured since his £10 million signing last summer, arriving with an achilles injury before picking up a hamstring injury in just his second substitute appearance in November that kept him out until the final day.
However, Stewart is similar to Delap in that both strikers are tall, physical presences but are also willing runners who will work the channels and look for balls in behind.
The fact Martin was so keen to sign the 6ft 2in Stewart last summer and is looking to follow that up with Delap shows he is clear on what he wants from his striker and that is to offer a real focal point to the side.
Can Delap and Stewart score goals for Southampton in the Premier League?
Given he has only managed four substitute appearances in his year at the club so far, Stewart remains a relative unknown for Southampton fans.
The worry in signing Delap to add to Stewart is that neither player is a proven Premier League goalscorer.
Stewart had only played 13 Championship games before Southampton gave Sunderland £10 million for his services, although admittedly he had scored ten and provided three assists in those games.
Delap – son of former Saint, Rory – is just 21 but is yet to make his Premier League debut and has spent the past two seasons on loan in England’s second tier.
Whilst he has obvious potential, the striker has managed just 12 goals in 68 Championship games across spells at Stoke City, Preston and Hull City.
With that in mind, it would be a huge risk for Southampton to go into a Premier League season with Stewart and Delap as their primary options up front.
However, the profile of both players shows Martin is clear on what he feels he needs from his striker to allow him to play the style of football he wants in the top flight.
