George Burley wants to add one more player to his squad before the summer transfer window slams shut at the end of this month.

After losing prize assets Gareth Bale and Chris Baird, the Saints boss has moved to end speculation surrounding other star names Kenwyne Jones and Jhon Viafara by bolting the exit door ahead of next Friday's transfer deadline.

Let alone not cashing in on any more of his squad, Burley is actually hoping to add a central midfielder on loan in the next week.

He said: "I've said all along we've lost some very good players and we don't want to lose anybody else.

"There's been a lot of speculation, which hasn't been great, and it will be good when the window closes if we can add one more.

"When the window closes, it lets you push on. It's been a difficult summer on and off the field but I was pleased on Saturday (at Norwich) with the quality and the strength through the side.

"That was encouraging and I feel we will be pushing on for the rest of the season."

Instead of worrying about players leaving, Burley is instead focussing on trying to recruit one more new face before the transfer window closes, even though there is provision for him to tie up any loan deals up as far as the middle of November.

But after the signings of Youssef Safri and Wayne Thomas, he is generally comfortable with the squad which will take on embryonic Championship leaders Stoke at St Mary's this Saturday.

"It would be nice to bring one other in even if it was just a loan," said Burley.

"We're maybe not in a position for a permanent deal but maybe a loan to add to the squad.

"There was a lot to build on for 60 minutes at Norwich.

"It's probably as well as we've played away from home, including last season.

"We're not far away but maybe one more to add to the squad. We haven't got the biggest squad and, in case of injuries, another central midfielder to give us a wee bit more strength would be good."

Saints, meanwhile, have dismissed reports that suggested they had told Derby they could sign Jones and Viafara for £6m plus towering centre half Darren Moore as "ridiculous."