SAINTS must now turn their attentions to alternative January transfer buys as number one target Theo Walcott closes in on a move to Everton.

Merseyside-based media yesterday reported that Walcott was on the way to the Toffees for a medical ahead of a switch from Arsenal in a deal worth more than £20m.

Having originally been confident of securing the services of the attacker, who left St Mary’s for the Gunners 12 years ago, this news all but ends Saints’ pursuit of the England international.

Now, Saints must quickly forget the Walcott chase and look to other players in the January transfer market as they look for reinforcements to aid them in their relegation scrap.

Saints have been busy working on deals but such is the unpredictability of the January window they are yet to complete any transfers.

After the 2-2 at Watford on Saturday, boss Mauricio Pellegrino said that “we are working on a couple of targets who will hopefully arrive next week”.

But all has been quiet so far this week, although Saints have already stated that they will look to reinvest some of the £75m they received from Liverpool for Virgil van Dijk.

Pellegrino was coy on another target Guido Carrillo recently, but the Monaco striker seems to fit the mould of previous Saints signings and has worked under the 46-year-old boss before.

The 26-year-old has scored five times in 22 appearances this season and is not a regular feature in Monaco’s attack, having started just twice in Ligue 1 all season.

However, his arrival at Saints would come as no surprise considering Pellegrino’s relationship with the frontman.

He had his most prolific season under Pellegrino at Argentinian outfit Estudiantes, netting 13 goals in 37 games in 2013/14.

Carrillo came through the youth ranks at Estudiantes, eventually making his debut in 2011.

He went onto attract interest from Inter Milan, Benfica and Olympiakos, before switching to Monaco in a 8.8m Euro deal in 2015.

Some reports state, a move worth around £15m could be struck.

Saints are desperate for new recruits following ten straight games without a Premier League victory.

With top-scorer Charlie Austin sidelined long-term and with Shane Long and Manolo Gabbiadini misfiring, Saints want attackers to galvanise their season.

Long has scored once this term, while Gabbiadini has netted three times.

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