SAINTS captain Jose Fonte believes the team will be in a “great position” for the new season if the club can make two or three more quality signings.

Manager Ronald Koeman has already confirmed that at least one new centre-back is on the agenda, while Fonte believes they also need another defensive midfielder to support Jordy Clasie and Victor Wanyama.

Although Saints lost Morgan Schneiderlin, Nathaniel Clyne and Toby Alderweireld this summer, they have so far added Clasie, right-back Cedric Soares, versatile defender Cuco Martina, keeper Maarten Stekelenburg and an exciting, young forward, Junami.

“We lost Clyney, we got Cedric and Cuco. We bought good replacements for that position, so I’m happy with that,” said Fonte, when asked about the club’s summer business.

“We lost Morgan, we still got Clasie, who showed [against Feyenoord] that he’s a good player, but we still need a defensive midfield and if we can get a defensive midfield and another centre back to cover or to compete with me and Maya [Yoshida], and the others, we will be in a great position.

“I know the club is working behind the scenes to get another two or three signings.

“If we can get them, good quality signings again, I think we’ll be in a great position for this season again.”

Beyond Clasie and Wanyama, Saints do have players who can occupy a deep-lying midfield role, such as James Ward-Prowse and Steven Davis, but emerging youngster Harrison Reed is probably the only true remaining natural in that position since Jack Cork’s departure last season.

The indications from Koeman and executive director of football Les Reed have so far been that a centre-half is the only priority left on their list, and, although they will continue to be open to doing business beyond that if a good opportunity presents itself, it remains to be seen whether an additional defensive midfielder is being proactively sought.

Saints were already on the hunt for a new centre-back after Alderweireld opted to move to Tottenham, rather than return to St Mary’s following last season’s loan spell from Atletico Madrid, but they may consider a second one due to the knee injury that has ruled Florin Gardos out for an expected period of six-to-seven months.