RALPH Hasenhuttl smiled as he responded “we will see” to questions whether Saints are close to completing any more transfers.

The Austrian was coy on the chance of a seventh summer signing, with reports linking the club to a £25million deal for Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos.

Hasenhuttl has been open about the hunt for another forward and some full-back cover, while admitting he expects a busy end to the window across all clubs in the league.

While it is unlikely Saints will have another new face in the door to play Leicester City in the third match of the Premier League season, the influx of reports suggest things are getting closer.

Hasenhuttl was asked directly if this was the case, and smirked back: “We will see.”

Daily Echo:

All of the reports have linked Saints to more talent 21-years-old and younger, and the boss explained why it is “tough” for the club to pursue proven targets that will improve the side.

“It’s always possible but it’s tough because players that have shown up somewhere else are very, very expensive,” he said.

“For us, this is tough to get. But it is not about young or old, we need players that give us the potential to get better and this is very often based on young ones.

“We are very happy with what we have signed so far this season. We give them the chance to play here and they show immediately the impact they have made.”

Of the six summer additions made so far, only Joe Aribo, who arrived at Saints from Rangers last month, and back-up goalkeeper Mateusz Lis have been older than 20.

Romeo Lavia, 18, Gavin Bazunu, 20 and most recently Sekou Mara, 20, have all shown glimpses or more of what they hope to offer Saints for the next half-decade.

“We have played only two games so far and we can see there is still a lot of things for them to learn, but for us it is important to see the potential,” Hasenhuttl said.

“I think the potential everyone can see, and it is up to us to make them better.”

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook