Saints will push ahead with their summer transfer plans and trying to keep hold of Virgil van Dijk after hopes of a multi-million boost from China collapsed.

Lander Sports, who had been in talks with club owner Katharina Liebherr over buying a £200m stake in the club, have told the Chinese stock exchange they have pulled the plug on the potential deal.

That leaves Saints continuing to plough ahead as they are, and focussing their attentions on a big transfer window.

They are aiming to hold onto star names who are wanted elsewhere, such as £50m rated Van Dijk and Ryan Bertrand, and will sign at least one top level centre half as well as looking to strengthen and add depth to other areas of the squad.