Ronald Koeman insists that Sadio Mane wants to stay a Saint.

The Saints boss confirmed that the Senegalese star is happy to stay at the club despite what he described as "rumours" of interest from Manchester United.

Koeman said: "He wants to stay and he know there’s no bid for the player. His agent knows, he knows, I know - everybody knows. I don't know why you have to think about rumours."

Koeman also insisted that Victor Wanyama is not for sale amid specualtion linking Spurs with the midfielder.

He added: "I don’t know if he’s a target for Tottenham but there’s no bid and he's not for sale."

Saints are more interested in adding to their squad.

Koeman has not made any more progress in his pursuit of a defender, but when Jay Rodriguez returns to his 2013/14 form it will be like signing a new player.

While Rodriguez was not at his best against FC Midtjylland, Koeman is confident he will get there.

“Everybody knows he was out for more than one year and it takes time to get to be the same as before - but he’s close.

“He scored a penalty and he had some chances to score. He was a dangerous player and that we like. He was one of those who created good opportunities. But it will take time for him to be 100 per cent.”

Koeman was also pleased with the performance of defensive midfielder Oriel Romeu.

“He’s a good player in that position. He still needs to improve sometimes there’s a misunderstanding but that’s normal with new players.

“It’s an important position but he will grow into that position and develop himself. He needs games to develop and improve.”

Koeman, who is still on crutches himself, has no fresh injury concerns from Thursday’s first-leg.

And he is hopeful that Jordy Clasie and Ryan Bertrand will be fit in time for the trip to West Brom on September 12.

“It takes time,” he said. “We hope they come back strong. They’re not involved in the next three games but we hope they will be fit after the international break.”

Koeman added: “I’m happy because if we’re counting the players who are injured at the moment we have a fairly strong squad.

“We’ve been a little bit unlucky with injuries like Bertrand and Clasie, Florin Gardos and of course  Fraser Forster. But when they come back we have a strong side.”