Southampton's rise up the footballing pyramid in recent seasons has been nothing short of spectacular, and much of that has been down to their shrewd recruitment process.

They are not afraid to take a calculated risk on a player, and the Championship has a number of players that are perfectly capable of coming in and adding some real quality to the team.

Teams in the second division tend to have better defences and this season there are a host of top-class players in the Championship.

There are a number of defenders in the Championship that would be able to come in and add some more quality to the Saints' back line, as they look to take the next step and be a regular in European football.

Here are FIVE Championship defenders that Southampton should sign in January......

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE DEFENDERS!

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Andrew Robertson

The Hull left-back has impressed at the KC Stadium since his move from Scottish side Dundee United last summer, and he was linked with an immediate return to the Premier League after his side suffered relegation.

While Ronald Koeman has England international Ryan Bertrand at left-back, adding some competition with the quality of the Scot would be a massive asset to his squad.

Robertson's ability on the ball and his tireless displays up and down the pitch would make him a perfect player for Koeman's side.

Daniel Ayala

The Middlesbrough defender has developed into one of the Championship's best defenders under Aitor Karanka, and the club may struggle to hold on to him if they fail to win promotion.

Similar to current Saints centre-back Virgil Van Dijk in that he offers a strong, physical presence at both ends of the pitch and he has two goals to his name already this season.

The 25-year old could give Koeman a strong leader at the back, that would be a more than suitable replacement for Van Dijk and Jose Fonte.

Cyrus Christie

While the Republic of Ireland international has found game time harder to come by under Paul Clement than he did under Steve McClaren, Christie is still one of the best right-backs in the Championship.

Nathaniel Clyne left the Saints in the summer and he was replaced by Cedric Soares, but his impressive displays could mean that the big clubs come calling once again, leaving the right-back slot open again.

Christie will probably get a crack at the Premier League in his career and a move to Southampton could suit all parties, as he would be given time to develop and establish himself at St Marys.

Tendayi Darikwa

At just 23, the Burnley right-back would be a great long-term option for Ronald Koeman should he decide to sign a new right-back by the time the January window comes.

Although he is just six months into a three-year deal, a big money offer could tempt Sean Dyche to cash in on the former Chesterfield star.

Darikwa is capable of playing one the right hand side of the defence or on the wing, so that makes him a useful player to have available in the squad and Southampton may see him as a viable option.

Lewis Dunk

The Brighton defender signed a new contract in the summer but it will not stop speculation linking with him with a move away from the club.

A move to Southampton would allow to develop into a top class centre-back, as he would be able to work with some top coaches as well as players who have represented their country.

The 24-year old would be a good option for Southampton as he is more than capable of filling in for Fonte and Van Dijk.