This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Amongst all of Southampton’s problems right now, there is one thing that can be deemed as one of their most troublesome.

The full-back positions.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has already deployed square pegs in round holes on numerous occasions when it comes to the full-back positions, as the Austrian played midfield ace Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg at left-back against Manchester City.

Additionally, the former RB Leipzig boss made two questionable selection decisions in one game against Everton recently, putting right-back Cedric Soares at left wing-back and midfielder Stuart Armstrong at right wing-back.

It is telling that Yan Valery – a natural right-back – was on the bench behind Armstrong in that defeat to the Toffees, so the Saints definitely need full-backs – one reported January target fits the bill in that respect, but for more reasons than the mere fact that he is a full-back.

QPR left-back Ryan Manning has been linked with a January move to St Mary’s, with Southampton under the impression that they can sign the Irishman for a cut-price fee with his contract running out.

[ad_pod ]

Manning – who has one goal and three assists in 17 Championship starts this season – has the ability to play either at left-back or at left wing-back, a trait that may prove to be vital under Hasenhuttl given the Austrian’s tendency to switch between a back four and a back five – the former RB Leipzig boss has failed to settle on a consistent formation throughout the season.

So, with Manning being comfortable in both a left-back and a left wing-back role, this bodes well for his hopes of immediately settling into Hasenhuttl’s system.

Furthermore, The Telegraph report that Gao Jisheng has handed Hasenhuttl a ‘limited’ January budget, so if the news of Manning being available for a cut-price fee is true, that makes this deal all the more sensible for the Saints.

In other news, hear what Hasenhuttl had to say about his side’s showing against Arsenal, words that can be considered as a real stepping stone…