SAINTS boss Nathan Jones has insisted the club “will not knee-jerk” if they are unable to make the perfect addition to their attacking ranks this January.

The manager wants to add more “potency” to his team but is clear that does not just mean a number nine, with Che Adams and Sekou Mara already leading in that role.

Saints could look to acquire a number 10 or winger with the likes of Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson one tipped to be moving closer to St Mary’s.

However, former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl told media for over a month that Saints would sign a new striker – before two prospective deals fell through at the end of the window.

READ MORE: 'Up to speed' - Jones hints signings Alcaraz and Orsic are ready to start matches

Asked if he would be comfortable going into the rest of the season with his current attacking options, should a similar scenario occur again, Jones gave the Daily Echo an honest answer.

Daily Echo: Sekou Mara (right) scores Southampton's opening goal

“If nothing comes available that we can add that improves us, I never add just numbers for the sake of it,” he said.

“I’d rather just work with what we have and someone I really know than something that’s too much of a gamble, especially at this level.”

Jones added: “We’re working really hard to improve certain areas but if nothing comes available we won’t knee-jerk, we are scoring goals so it’s not like we’ve gone two or three games without scoring.

“We want to demand more and would like a little bit more potency all round, and we’re not going to get 10 players like that. If we can get one or two that add to us then that’s what we’re going to do.”

Asked exactly what he is looking for as a forward reinforcement, Jones explained: “We've got two good number nines who we believe in terms of Che and Sekou.

“We would like more potency is what we want. So whether that is if that's an out and out number nine then fine. If that's someone that can play across the line, then fine.

“We've been quite diverse, but getting the key characteristics that are essential for a Southampton team that wants to be aggressive and score goals.”

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