Puel thrilled with last-gasp Southampton acquisitions

Southampton boss Claude Puel hailed the club’s deadline day transfer business after landing last-gasp deals for Manolo Gabbiadini and Mouez Hassen.

Hassen arrived on loan from OGC Nice until the end of the season and will add much needed competition in the goalkeeping department; particularly with Alex McCarthy sidelined presently.

While Italian international forward Gabbiadini arrived from Napoli for £15million on a four-and-a-half-year deal, with Puel desperate to bolster the striking options at his disposal.

Gabbiadini, who began his career at Atalanta and has six caps for Italy, had found his opportunities limited at the Stadio San Paolo this season.

Puel said: “Manolo is a striker and after the injury of Charlie Austin it was important to give an opportunity for the squad and to try to make progress and to give all the possibilities in the squad.

“He will be important I think but it’s the first time he comes into the Premier League, another country, another squad, and it will be important to stay with patience at the beginning.

“He’s a good player, a good striker and he will bring good intention and good opportunities for the future.

“I think Mouez Hassen is important with the injury to Alex McCarthy. It was important to take another goalkeeper. Hopefully he can show the fans his quality.”