George Burley played a totally straight bat to questions about Saints' financial future.

The manager was quizzed by journalists about the state of his club's finances and what next month's transfer window could hold in store for him.

Saints' executive directors have warned that player sales next month are inevitable unless new investment is brought in.

The executives were adamant the Sisu deal was the only one on their table - but that door was slammed shut on them last Friday when the London-based hedge fund completed a deal with Coventry instead.

"These types of thing are out of our hands - Coventry have new investors which I'm sure they're pleased with," said Burley.

"Things can change quickly at Southampton and we just hope the club does get a new investor so we can push forward.

"There are a few games before January and we'll have to see what can be done by then.

"Life's got to move on. We had to move on in the summer and we rebuilt the squad.

"Unfortunately we've been inundated with injuries but we showed we have got a good squad of players."