Mauricio Pellegrino has admitted Saints did “everything” to try and bring Theo Walcott back to St Mary’s, but insisted the club are now focussed on fresh transfer targets.

Walcott was Saints’ top target for the January window, but the club’s former academy graduate opted for a move to Everton instead.

It has left Saints having to explore other avenues, with fans getting increasingly impatient at the lack of new signings.

Of the Walcott deal Pellegrino said: “That is part of the market.

“The market has got offers and demands.

“I think we did everything to try to bring this possibility here but we have to accept that. It’s part of our job.

“When you are in negotiations they are about two parts and we can do nothing.”

He added: “Obviously the money is part of the negotiations but I don’t know the reason.

“We have got in our club is the concern to try and bring a couple of targets.

“We have got another option and we have to continue with our job.

“Sometimes we expect this and we have to be prepared for this because it’s part of the market.”

Saints face Tottenham at St Mary’s on Sunday, with Maya Yoshida touch and go to be fit.

Pellegrino will make a late decision on his availability after training tomorrow.