RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted he has started to look at new players ahead of the summer transfer window.

Saints have six games remaining, and although Hasenhuttl stressed that Premier League safety is the priority, they also have to think about their recruitment in the transfer window.

“You do both things. One thing is focusing on the weekend but as long as we are not safe it is not easy to prepare the next season,” the Austrian revealed.

“We have to have the right decisions when we have the chance to take them and therefore we are working also and looking at new players.

“The sooner we are safe the better it is.

“We all know that the sooner we get the last wins we need for 40 points, for example, the better and we have another chance at the weekend.”

One player that caught Hasenhuttl’s eye in January was Birmingham City’s Che Adams.

The youngster has netted 22 goals in 43 appearances for the Championship side so far this season.

Saints left an offer on the table for the 22-year-old but had it rejected by Birmingham, as they looked to push the price up.

He added: “I don’t want to discuss any personality.

“We were linked with him in the winter transfer period also.

“We have eyes on a few young players who fit in our shape and philosophy and we are mainly looking for younger players.

“First, we have to be safe.”

Hasenhuttl was then asked whether Adams is one of the names on a long list, with the Austrian replying: "Yes."