Southampton came from 2-0 down to beat Celta Vigo 3-2 in their latest pre-season friendly at St Mary’s on Wednesday night, but their defensive performance was certainly a worry and suggested they need another centre-back before the transfer window shuts on August 9, and Chelsea’s Gary Cahill must be a target.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Saints had one of the best defences in the Premier League for four straight seasons prior to the 2017/18 campaign, but they conceded 57 goals in their 38 top flight matches last term as they only narrowly avoided the drop.

The likes of Wesley Hoedt and Jack Stephens visibly struggled at times, and Mark Hughes moved to solve the issue by bringing in Jannik Vestergaard from Borussia Monchengladbach this summer.

However, he, Hoedt and Bednarek often struggled against the Celta attack in the opening 45 minutes on the south coast on Wednesday, and perhaps pointed to the fact that another centre-half is still needed.

Why should they get Cahill?

Well, The Evening Standard reported last month that the 32-year-old could look to leave Stamford Bridge this summer in search of more regular first-team minutes – something he didn’t always get towards the end of the 2017/18 season.

The Blues captain and England international would certainly bring some quality and much-needed vocal presence and leadership to the heart of the Southampton defence, and his arrival could make the difference for Hughes, who must try and sign the club’s most exciting player since Sadio Mane if Tottenham seal £45m deal, and his side to ensure they have a less leaky backline this term.

Given his age and the fact that he also has just one year remaining on his contract with the west London outfit, the 6ft 3in tall man should also be well within Saints’ often strict budget.

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