Jan Poortvliet insists Saints WON’T have to sell any of their star players during the January transfer window.

The latest set of accounts from the club stated that players would have be sold in due course to help stabilise the financial position at St Mary’s.

That was widely expected to happen this month with the likes of Andrew Surman and Adam Lallana being linked with moves.

Reading are known to be interested in Surman while Fulham have also been linked with the midfielder.

Surman is now cup tied after returning from injury yesterday.

But after the FA Cup defeat against Manchester United, Poortvliet stated very confidently that he was NOT expecting to have to sell.

Indeed, he is instead focusing on trying to bring in at least one player with Saints desperately short of cover at centre half where Oliver Lancashire and Chris Perry are currently his only available options.

Michael Svensson and Wayne Thomas are sidelined through injury and Paul Wotton is out of favour.

In addition, Jack Cork has joined Watford on loan after his loan spell at St Mary’s ended.

Poortvliet said: “I think everyone will stay and that is very good.

“In defence we are very short and I hope we can do something.

“We have a couple of players who can play also in this position, but are they ready in the Championship to do that?

“We will see.

“Normally you should bring one player or two players in where you need it to make your team stronger.”

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