There was no deadline day drama at Saints, as the January transfer window shut last night without further additions to the squad.

The only activity at St Mary’s before the clock struck 11pm involved four fringe players being loaned out.

New manager Mauricio Pochettino had said there was a possibility that some last-minute business could be conducted.

Instead, the club’s sole signing of the mid-season window proved to be Norwegian international centre back Vegard Forren, who joined from Molde for a fee of about £3.5m a fortnight ago.

With Forren’s capture bolstering the defence, and this week’s return of Adam Lallana from injury strengthening midfield, Saints monitored the market but did not feel in any desperate need to make late additions.

Instead, they used the final day of the window to trim their squad slightly.

Striker Jonathan Forte was sent out on loan for the remainder of the season to League One club Sheffield United, the club where he started his career.

The versatile Ben Reeves was also loaned out, joining League Two side Southend on an initial 28-day deal.

Reeves, 21, had made three sub appearances in the Premier League for Saints this season.

In the final two hours of the window, striker Lee Barnard moved to Oldham for the remainder of the campaign. He had previously been on loan to Bournemouth this season.

The last bit of business saw winger Steve De Ridder, 25, above, who has made four sub appearances in the league this term, join Championship outfit Bolton on a month-long deal.