SAINTS have just a few days to add to their attacking ranks and Nathan Jones has been insistent on the need to add further potency.

However, as the minutes tick down before the January transfer window slams shut, reports link Saints more frequently to a pacey and powerful winger than a clinical striker.

Jones has refused to identify which one he would specifically rather add, but it could leave only Che Adams and Sekou Mara as the number nine options.

But the Welshman has reiterated his belief in Mara, who started Saturday’s 2-1 win over Blackpool in the FA Cup fourth round, to improve his output in the Premier League.

READ MORE: Saints among three Premier League clubs named as 'looking at' available Spurs forward

Asked about the 20-year-old Frenchman, whose only goal in 19 appearances came in the EFL Cup quarter-final win over Manchester City, Jones responded: “We’re confident he can challenge and confident he can get better.

Daily Echo: Sekou Mara (right) scores Southampton's opening goal

“But what we’re doing in the Premier League is relying on a lot of young players. With the greatest respect, we’re relying on Sekou Mara whose in his first season in the Premier League.

“Now is he going to come in and score 20 goals? You look at Premier League sides, you look at Man United, Man City and Chelsea, they’re paying £85million for established players.

“That’s what we’re competing with. He needs a bit of time, Sekou, and what we need now is a little bit of help in certain other things.”

Jones continued: “I'm confident that the players we have will get there but what we need is just a little bit of help now to be able to help those get there quicker.

“But I'm confident in the squad, it's a good squad that works hard and wants to get better. Then it’s up to me to improve them. At times, it’s tough.

“Saturday it was difficult to be fluent on the pitch. But I felt we controlled the game, we were the ones pushing and they sat in and were hard to beat. It’s typical and reminiscent of the Lincoln City game.

“The onus is on us and sometimes the crowd gets edgy when you’re not 3-0 up and it adds to the environment. But I’m proud of my players because we won the game.”

Don't miss a moment with our Saints morning briefing email.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article on the Daily Echo. Your support means we can bring you the latest breaking news, exclusive Saints features and coverage - and much more.

Digital subscribers get unrestricted access to all of our stories, our dedicated app including e-version of the newspaper, and an advertising-light website.

If you want all the latest articles delivered straight to your inbox you can join the thousands of subscribers who are signed up to our newsletters.

They include our popular daily morning news briefing, breaking news, crime and court, and Southampton FC bulletins - plus business, heritage and our what's on newsletters.