Southampton have staved off any fears that they could be dragged into the treacherous waters of a relegation battle with a remarkable turn to form.

Ronald Koeman has masterminded a five game unbeaten run, leading his side up to seventh in the table and just four points off of fifth position.

The signing of Charlie Austin for a relatively low sum of just £4m was yielded almost universal praise, especially considering the former QPR marksman notched on his debut against Manchester United.

While one of the major themes on the South Coast in recent years has been the subject of star players leaving, it is refreshing to see the club land a recognised star, to whom the fans can relate.

Other than Austin’s arrival, it was a relatively quiet month at St. Mary’s Stadium. As ever, players were linked with moves over the course of window.

So, Southampton fans, here’s end of January XI you could have had.

FRASER FORSTER

Since his return from a gruesome broken knee injury, Fraser Forster has looked as immovable as ever. The 26-year old recently broke a club record, becoming the first stopper to keep five consecutive clean sheets.

As the last line of defence, there a few better, as proved against Arsenal.

CALUM CHAMBERS

Cedric Soares has done a relatively good job of replacing the excellent Nathaniel Clyne, though question marks remain over his defensive ability.

Arsenal defender Calum Chambers was mentioned as a potential target over the course of the window, a move that could have potentially reignited his stalling career in North London.

He emerged as a promising right-back while a Southampton player and could have given the rearguard a greater sense of balance.

JOSE FONTE

Quite simply, Jose Fonte is the rock in the rearguard on the South Coast. Even at 32-years old, the former Crystal Palace remains a lynchpin of Koeman’s side.

VIRGIL VAN DIJK

Virgil van Djik has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water since his summer move from Celtic, looking utterly at ease on the South Coast.

At just 24-years old, the Dutch international will only get better, an exciting thought for the Southampton faithful.

RYAN BERTRAND

Ryan Bertrand is simply an excellent footballer. The England international has gone from strength to strength since linking up with the Saints as Luke Shaw’s replacement in 2014.

Finally getting the recognition he deserves at international level, the former Chelsea youngster is one of the best left-backs in the league.

VICTOR WANYAMA

Victor Wanyama has been sent off three times already this season, suggesting the Kenyan desperately needs to improve his discipline.

While occasionally a liability, the former Celtic midfielder is formidable when on form.

His shielding of Mesut Ozil in the famous 4-0 win over Arsenal, then table toppers, provided the platform from which the rest of the side flourished.

GIANNELLI IMBULA

Stoke City’s new record signing Giannelli Imbula was actually touted as a potential replacement for Wanyama before his move to the Potteries.

However, due to the nature of his time with Porto, it’s not out of the realms of the possibility that the Frenchman could have ended up at St. Mary’s.

Pairing the two would provide a fearsome base in midfield, while retaining some direct passing. Good luck to any side facing off against these two.

ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN

Another former Saint now at Arsenal to be linked with a surprising loan return to St. Mary’s. While the link seemingly came out of nowhere, perhaps the England international could have done with a short-term return to the club where he made his name.

Amid the plethora of attacking talent in North London, ‘The Ox’ has lost his identity somewhat. It’s not fully known if he’s a winger, a box-box midfielder or even a Number 10.

Lining him up on the right, ahead of such a solid midfield, the 22-year old could slowly start to realise his full potential.

SADIO MANE

Sadio Mane is a hugely frustrating player, capable of looking like an absolute world beater on his day, or utterly hopeless on another.

However, he’s proved to be a major hit since a £10m move from Red Bull Salzburg, reportedly attracting interest from Manchester United.

In a Number 10 position, the 23-year old’s direct running at defences usually scares the life out of the opposition. Able to drift wide, he finds space in pockets, the Senegalese star more often than tends to wreak havoc.

Once he sorts out his final product on a more consistent basis, he will be a top class player.

DUSAN TADIC

The Serbian has a wand of a left foot and is able to pop up with both goals and assists. While not the fastest of left wingers in a traditional sense, the fluidity lining him up alongside Mane brings can be a nightmare for defences to mark.

Drifting inside when Mane drags opposition defenders wide, the 27-year old is able to pull the strings more centrally, or park himself on the edge of the penalty area and supply crosses.

CHARLIE AUSTIN

Graziano Pelle has done very little wrong as a Southampton player during his 18 months there, though the Italian is seemingly slowly being shifted out.

Approaching 30, it has been claimed that a new contract will not be offered amid links with a return to Italy, as well as China.

Enter, Charlie Austin.

Marking his debut with the winning goal at Old Trafford, the former Burnley ace already has the full backing of the club’s support.

While he may not be as good all-round as the aforementioned suave Italy international, Austin is a lethal poacher. With such a creative, fluid three behind him, and a solid base, the 26-year old would no doubt revel in the chances created.