Martin reveals Southampton's Onuachu January transfer stance

Onuachu, 30, is reportedly a target for Belgian Pro League outfit Club Brugge but Martin has insisted he wants the Nigerian to stay at Saints.

Saints were prepared to sell Onuachu in the summer ahead of the season but rejected lowball bids from Turkish clubs Trabzonspor and Fenerbache.

The six-foot-seven-inch forward has since worked his way back into Martin's side, made his first start against Liverpool and impressed his boss and supporters.

Onuachu missed Friday's 1-1 draw with Brighton through injury but Martin believes he will be key to the club's chances for the rest of the season. 

Asked if he wants him to stay, Martin said: "Yeah, I think so. I think if he was going to go it would have been in the summer for the club to reinvest some money.

Russell Martin wants to keep Paul Onuachu at Saints this season (Image: PA)

"At the time, it was a few clubs interested but none of them were anywhere near serious enough for us to consider and I think Paul was just caught in limbo a bit.

"I think he thought he was going to leave and it hadn't quite worked out, last summer he was here for probably five or six weeks before he was going.

"The whole time it was planned he was going to go because he cost a lot of money and he wanted a challenge at the top level if he could but he was brilliant.

"He was respectful and then so in January I'm sure there will be a few people that are interested in him again," continued Martin.

"I'm sure there will also be a few people kicking themselves that they clearly didn't quite want him enough in the summer.

"For me, if Paul is happy, we're really happy and we want him here as he can help us achieve what we want to achieve this season."

Onuachu was not close to fitness for the trip to Amex Stadium and Martin is expected to issue another update on Tuesday ahead of the clash with Chelsea.