RALPH Hasenhuttl insisted “you never know what happens” but admitted it is unlikely Saints will look to bring anyone in from the free agent market.

The St Mary’s side had been linked by reports elsewhere to a move for the likes of Ross Barkley, who departed Chelsea by mutual consent towards the end of the summer window.

Despite the window slamming shut last Thursday, Premier League clubs can still bring in unattached players at any point as long as they register them in their 25-man squads.

Meanwhile, other transfer windows in European countries – such as Turkey – are still open for a few more days, meaning Saints could see further departures.

However, Hasenhuttl does not expect Saints to bring in anyone on a free basis and are only likely to reassess their squad when the next window opens in January.

Daily Echo:

“Not really, but you never know what happens,” he said, when asked if they could add a free agent in the coming weeks. “Hopefully we have no injuries or something like that.

“That is always the most important thing. We have one with Romeo for longer but I don't see this,” he added.

“Don't forget we have maybe 16 games, or 10 more games until the next break with the World Cup.

“Then the next transfer window opens on the first of January. So it's not really a long time until the next window opens. We are now ready for the league and hopefully, we will show this every weekend.”

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