RALPH Hasenhuttl insisted the transfer market is “sometimes a bit stupid and strange” but is pleased Saints could operate even before selling any of their players.

The Austrian boss had become accustomed to an almost one-in-one-out policy under previous owner Gao Jisheng, due to financial constraints.

Then, with Sport Republic’s arrival at the beginning of January, the club opted against making any move in or out in the winter window last season.

However, Saints have now added six new players in time for the Premier League season, with Sekou Mara’s deal completed last week, while not one senior player has left the club for a fee.

It is likely there will still be more movement in the squad before the window closes on September 1, but Hasenhuttl is unsure if the pool of players available at the right price will increase or not.

“I'm not so sure on the effect on prices,” he said, asked about the impact of the transfer remaining open even weeks into a Premier League season.

“Some other clubs will also look at first games, how strong they are, or if they have weaknesses. I'm not sure if prices of players will go up or down again.

“The market is sometimes a bit stupid and strange,” Hasenhuttl added. “For us it was a good thing we could do this season some things that we normally could only do after selling a few players.

“This was different this season definitely, and helped you to get some players in that you wish you can get, and what also makes sense for us I think.”

Hasenhuttl has admitted Saints are still in the market for another striker, with Adam Armstrong, Che Adams and Mara now in the ranks.

“I'm still of the opinion that 40 or £50million transfers make no sense for us,” he admitted. “But there is quality to get and if it's young? Okay no problem, take it.

“This is the way we want to go, and it's good that we have done our job so far. But the transfer window is open so long that, if we do something we have enough time to do it.”

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