SAINTS need to make THREE new signings this month in a bid to move further up the Premier League table.

Mauricio Pochettino should be looking to sign a centre half, a quick striker – someone in the mould of England’s Jermain Defoe – and a wide midfielder with pace.

That is the view of ex-Dell striker Gordon Watson, who also said he wouldn’t be unhappy if the enigmatic Gaston Ramirez was shipped out during the current transfer window.

“Saints could really do with a striker like Defoe, to give them another Plan B if they are chasing games.

“Someone like Defoe would give them a bit more pace, give them the ability to put the ball over the top.

“Saints don’t really play that way, but they would have another option.

“They need someone capable of getting on the end of the richochets, the close range scrambles.

“So far Dani Osvaldo has done a lot of his work outside the penalty box.”

Watson is not suggesting Saints go and sign Defoe, believing his wage demands would be too much for Nicola Cortese to consider.

But the 31-year-old Tottenham striker is a bit out of favour at White Hart Lane, having started just three Premier League games all season.

Though he has scored seven times in five Europa League outings this term, Defoe has yet to get off the mark in his three league starts or nine appearances off the bench.

Defoe cost Tottenham £15m five years ago this month when he arrived from Portsmouth.

Saints have made four expensive purchases since the start of August 2011, bringing in Ramirez, Dejan Lovren, Victor Wanyama and Dani Osvaldo.

“Two hits and two misses,” summed up Watson.

“Dejan Lovren has been absolute class and so has Victor Wanyama.

“Ramirez and Osvaldo have not done it yet.

“Ramirez has had enough chances and I would love a Ramirez fan to tell me what he’s done since he’s been here.

“I think he’s had enough chances and I don’t know what contribution he’s made.

“He scored at Everton, but one swallow doesn’t make a summer.

“As I’ve said before, you can’t play Adam Lallana and Ramirez in the same side, and I would take Adam every time.

“Adam has been great this season.

“He’s been like Rickie was like last season, in that he’s answered any questions asked of him.

“He needed to step it up again, and he’s gone and done just that.”

Watson is still a bit mystified why Jason Puncheon was loaned out to Crystal Palace for the whole season.

“That’s mis-management for you, that one,” he commented.

Puncheon was a regular for Saints in the top flight last season, where he weighed in with seven goals from a wide position.