Southampton: Further Saints summer signings dependent on sales of fringe players

Southampton have been active in this summer transfer window and signed two exciting attackers in Che Adams and Moussa Djenepo.

They both arrived for a combined total of around £30m, but it has been said that Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl would like defensive additions before the transfer deadline at 5pm on August 8th.

However, a report from the Daily Echo stated today that any other incoming players will be dependent on the club moving out some unwanted fringe players.

The likes of Charlie Austin, Mario Lemina and Guido Carrillo have been frozen out by Hasenhuttl, who clearly doesn’t see them as part of his long-term plans for the future.

They have all been linked with moves to a host of clubs in England and abroad but nothing has materialised as of yet.

Austin has been mentioned as a target for promoted sides Aston Villa and Sheffield United, whilst he was also most recently reported to have been offered to Newcastle in their search for a striker.

Lemina was said to be subject of interest of all of Atalanta, Manchester United and Arsenal, whilst Everton were said to be looking at him after selling Idrissa Gueye to PSG.

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• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
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Carrillo has been an expensive mistake by Saints overall and has been linked with a move back to his homeland of Argentina with Boca Juniors.

It is unknown how much money Saints need to raise in order to go back into the market again but defenders have had huge fees attached to them so far this summer.

Harry Maguire is a reported target for Manchester United and fees of £80m have been quoted for the Leicester City man, whilst reported Saints target Adam Webster is close to a £25m move to Brighton from Bristol City.

A centre-back must be the priority for the club as the deadline approaches, and they must be prepared to pay a premium as transfer window draws to a close.

Wesley Hoedt is still in and around Hasenhuttl’s squad and could provide cover if no additions come in, but signings a new full-back is not so much of a concern with Cedric and Jake Vokins providing second options on the right and left respectively.