BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed Saints were still on the hunt to replace Danny Ings in the summer transfer window and insisted: “We definitely need someone.”

Ings completed a shock move to Aston Villa on Wednesday, for a fee which the Daily Echo understands to be around £30million.

Since then the St Mary’s side have been linked with the likes of Blackburn’s Adam Armstrong, RB Leipzig’s Alexander Sorloth and a loan move for Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham.

The Scottish Sun have also claimed the St Mary’s side look set to launch a £20million bid for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.

Asked whether he was hopeful of doing any more business ahead of the St Mary’s side’s season opener against Everton next Saturday, Hasenhuttl said: “Yes.

“I think we know that we have lost a very important striker in Danny Ings and to replace him, sure, we know that we have to do something.

He added: "We definitely need someone.”

Hasenhuttl was speaking after his side were beaten 3-1 by La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao this afternoon. Michael Obafemi and Shane Long started up front for Saints.

Former Newcastle man Armstrong was left out of the Blackburn squad for their season opener against Swansea today.

The striker’s future has been the source of intense speculation, with Crystal Palace and Saints both said to be in the running to sign the 24-year-old.

The Lancashire Telegraph claims no club is yet to reach Rovers’ valuation, but boss Tony Mowbray said he felt Armstrong had been affected by the speculation over his future.