WITH the recent departures of key players from St Mary's, Saints will be looking to ensure they replace the likes of Nathan Tella before the transfer window closes later this week.

Southampton have earned upwards of £100million from player sales this summer and will likely look to reinvest that money where they can to strengthen their promotion ambitions.

With only a finite amount of time before the deadline slams shut loan transfers present a less risky opportunity to sign quality replacements. 

Saints have already made three loan signings this summer with Flynn Downes, Mason Holgate and Ryan Fraser all arriving from Premier League clubs.

Here are three other Premier League players we think Southampton should target to sign on loan as the transfer deadline approaches...

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Last season was somewhat of a breakout campaign for Crystal Palace's Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

The England youth international took League One by storm in what was his first full season in senior professional football.

Rak-Sakyi scored 15 goals in 43 league appearances on loan at Charlton Atheltic as they finished in 10th place.

That season came after he finished as the joint top-goalscorer in the Premier League 2 with 18 goals.

In addition to being clinical in front of goal, Rak-Sakyi also has the ability to create goalscoring opportunities.

That is evidenced by his eight assists last season, as well as his 0.66 key passes and 5.6 dribbles per 90 minutes.  

With the departure of Tella to Bayer Leverkusen, Russell Martin has made it clear that the club are looking to replace the academy graduate.

While that will likely be a move for a permanent replacement, Rak-Sakyi would be a good alternative option for this season should they fail to secure a permanent deal for someone else.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis

The journey from Manchester City to Southampton has become a well-travelled one for City's best youngsters in recent years, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis would be a brilliant addition to that lineage. 

The City academy graduate captained England to under-21 European Championship glory in Georgia and Romania this summer.

He did that off the back of a fantastic season at Burnley, where he helped Vincent Kompany's side earn promotion back to the Premier League.

Southampton have previously been rumoured with making a move for the Harwood-Bellis, who currently only has one year left on his contract.

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From looking at his stats in the Championship last season it appears clear why Martin and Jason Wilcox, who previously worked with the defender at Manchester City, would be keen to add him to the side before the window shuts.

The 21 year old is comfortable with the ball at his feet, which is a major tick for Martin's system.

He ranked third in the division last season for passes attempted per 90 minutes with 73.51.

While his success rate of 87.83 per cent has room for improvement, it was in part due to his 9.81 long passes per 90.

Although Holgate arrived on loan from Everton last week, Jack Stephen's injury and the departure of Romain Perraud could enforce the need for further defensive reinforcement.

With Swansea reportedly demanding more than Saints' have been willing to pay for Nathan Wood thus far, Harword-Bellis could be a great option.

James McAtee

Just like Harwood-Bellis, McAtee is a graduate of Manchester City's youth system.

The 20 year old midfielder spent last season on loan at promotion-winning Sheffield United.

He scored nine goals and made four assists in 43 appearances in all competitions for Paul Heckingbottom's Blades.

Southampton have been linked to making a move for the 2021-22 Premier League 2 Player of the Season.

Daily Echo: Saints are one of seven teams reportedly interested in the Manchester City midfielder

The Daily Mail listed Saints as one of the sides who have shown an interest in signing McAtee, however, their report didn't note if the St Mary's side were interested in a loan move or a permanent transfer. 

We have already seen how quickly midfield numbers can become depleted this season, which could motivate Martin and Co to add further depth in that position.

McAtee has been involved with City's first team squad this season, making a one-minute cameo during their season opener against Burnley, but will likely have his route to the first team blocked by the many world-class players at the Eithad.