SAINTS boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has warned supporters: “My squad is prepared to stay as this squad for the whole season. I have in every position my duels.”

The January transfer window is fast approaching with several clubs across the Premier League, including the likes of recently taken-over Newcastle, prepared to do battle to stack their squads.

The stakes of Premier League survival get higher every season and six clubs have new managers at the helm across the division, with their philosophies likely to be backed in the market.

But Hasenhuttl moved to cool talk of potential player investment from Saints when asked, ahead of the visit to Liverpool’s Anfield.

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He was quizzed about whether he was stepping up plans to improve his squad, and responded: “I think we did a very good job during the summer and the better the job you do in the summer, the less you have to do during the winter transfer window.

Daily Echo: Saints made eight signings during the summer window (Pics: Southampton FC)Saints made eight signings during the summer window (Pics: Southampton FC)

“At the moment we have 22 players when everyone is fit, sure we have some struggling but that is it, and my squad is prepared to stay as this squad for the whole season.”

He added: “I have in every position my duels.

“The top-quality players in the number ten position will never be available for us, they cost I don't know how much money.

“We get the players of the next level down and this is the level we have to work at, and make them better.

Daily Echo: The acquisition of Tino Livramento has been the best find (Pic: Stuart Martin)The acquisition of Tino Livramento has been the best find (Pic: Stuart Martin)

“When they get better they will score goals for us in the Premier League and they will win us games, this is the most important thing.”

Saints did do a good job of pruning the dead wood in their squad over the summer while some of the old guard also left, replacing everyone with younger and hungrier alternatives.

Including B team youngsters Thierry Small and Dynel Simeu, eight arrivals were welcomed to give the unit better balance and potential.

But they still turned a profit on sales alone – albeit in a tough time where clubs have been haemorrhaging money – and lack of further investment from chairman Gao Jisheng has long been a source of supporters’ frustration.

Daily Echo: Saints chairman, Gao Jisheng (middle) Saints chairman, Gao Jisheng (middle)

While Theo Walcott recently stated in an interview with talkSPORT that the squad were aiming for a top 10 finish, Hasenhuttl has his eyes set on staying in England’s top-flight first and foremost.

“If we can get the 40 to stay in the league as quick as we can, we are happy.” Hasenhuttl admitted, perhaps telling of the budget and ambition he has to work under.

“There is a long way to go. We have 14 points, the last three at Norwich were possible and we'd be up in eighth!

“We know that the next games are not easier and it will be tougher for us to take points, but we are getting better and we are focussed.”