NATHAN Jones revealed he wants Saints to make “three or four real quality” signings this January as they look to save their Premier League status.

The club have already added their first in Croatian international, and Champions League-experienced, Mislav Orsic from Dinamo Zagreb.

The 30-year-old is a break of the mould under Sport Republic, who have been targeting players at the maximum age of 27. It is thought Jones was the key driver in adding experience.

The January window remains open and Jones was asked what plans remain and exactly how many players he could add to a squad rock-bottom of the Premier League.

READ MORE: Jones: 'A tough week is an understatement'

“What we look on is not the amount, it's the quality really of what we do,” he insisted, speaking after Saints recorded a 2-1 win away at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third round.

Daily Echo: Southampton manager Nathan Jones says he is still focused on his side's Premier League performance

“There won't be 10 but if we can get three or four of real quality that improves us, then that's what we want because it will freshen stuff up.

“There's a good group there, they need a bit of help, but there's a good group there and what they haven't had for a long time is a run of results where we’re picking up wins and picking up positive performances.

“If they can do that then you can see the real group come out because there is a group in there and that's my job to get it out.”

Saints are understood to be targeting a centre-forward, a central midfielder and a central defender as they look to reinforce the spine of the team.

Reports have suggested links to strikers such as FC Lorient’s Terem Moffi and former Saint Danny Ings, but it is not clear if a deal for another is close.

READ MORE: Saints reportedly approach Manchester City academy chief for football director role

On his plans, Jones added: “We just need a balance in the squad. I know famously someone said you can't win anything with kids but there are some real talented players that haven't been used to playing Premier League football and in time they will potentially be world-class players.

“But in that time, we have to get results and we have to produce a squad and an environment and a culture that's really positive and aggressive. And that's what we want to do. A bit of experience will do that and then a bit more continuity.

“So that's what we want, but our remit is to get players at the right time. So it's not just all young players, it's getting players at the right time, so that they can produce for Southampton Football Club.”

Saints face a double game week with Manchester City at St Mary’s in the EFL Cup quarter-final on Wednesday, before visiting relegation rivals Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.

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