Mauricio Pellegrino has opened the way for a potential late transfer swoop at Saints after admitting the club have found a few potentially interesting options.

The Saints boss seemed resigned to the fact he would continue with the same squad until at least January when speaking before the goalless draw against Huddersfield, which continued the team’s unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign.

But after the match he appeared markedly more upbeat about the possibility of securing a fresh face before midnight on Thursday, though did caution that a deal could still evade the club.

He said: “I think we are ready to see what will happen because in the last three or four days there are some good players that can move.

“If there is someone we decide that can improve the squad and is ready to come with us, to share with us our squad, we will be ready.

“We never know. We cannot manage the market.

“It is really difficult to bring in good players. They are really expensive, a lot of money.

“If it’s in the Southampton way we will be there.”

One major talking point in the next few days will inevitably be the future of Virgil van Dijk.

Saints have insisted all along that the centre half will not be sold despite his transfer request.

Pellegrino was definitive in his latest response when he replied: “I think September 1 Virgil will be with us.”