Southampton are yet to make a signing in this January transfer window despite perhaps needing cover in a number of positions in their first-team squad.
They will have until deadline day – 31st January – to finalise any deals for players that may be incoming to St Mary’s or outgoing.
The current pandemic has limited deals so far and caused a strain on finances for many clubs but there could still be some movement in the final days of this window, and Saints fans will be hoping to see something being done on the South Coast.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent reporter Adam Blackmore, Martin Semmens has hinted that the club are still actively looking for targets and may still have something in the pipeline.
Three hints at Saints transfer activity
In the very honest and open interview and referring to a interest in Manchester United defender Brandon Williams, he said:
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"“Particularly in that defensive unit they have a lot of injuries issues, so if we had an opportunity for a player like Brandon then we would do it. Whether that will be possible, we don’t know. But Ralph has a very clear view on it that if there’s somebody that can improve the squad and make us better, either now or in six months time, then we’ll do it.”"
These quotes are coupled with a report from the Athletic’s David Ornstein earlier today that hint action may still take place at St Mary’s.
Ornstein’s article contains a paragraph on Saints and their contract negotiations with Ryan Bertrand, which he reports are very close to a positive conclusion and that Saints have no interest in selling their first-choice left-back.
At the bottom of this part though, he goes on to say that Saints are “hoping to bring in cover in the full-back department before the transfer window closes”.
Ralph Hasenhuttl also confirmed that the club were still looking for a signing in his pre-match press conference on Monday and sounded positive that a full-back would be arriving before the end of the month.
Based on these three sources, it is fair to say that the club are still looking for a deal that could be perfect for them and help to provide that boost for the second part of the season.
The defence was specifically referred to by Martin Semmens in his BBC interview and seems the most likely area of the team that will be added to if the right deal can be struck.