SAINTS manager Russell Martin insists the club is “really prepared” and “really ready” for if their stars attracting interest land Premier League moves.
The new boss was speaking about transfers to talkSPORT this morning and once again admitted it is likely some players will start the season at Saints but still land moves.
The likes of Tino Livramento, James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia have all featured heavily during pre-season amid bids from Premier League clubs.
Martin is preparing for the season-opener at Sheffield Wednesday as if anyone in the building currently will still be here but insinuates the club are ready to move on targets if needed.
He said: “I had a chat with most of them before I came in the week or so before we kicked off to see where they're at and I was relegated twice so understand what's going on in the dressing room.
“Everyone thinks they want to be in the Premier League or should be but the reality is that won’t happen for everyone.
“All I’ve asked from every single one of them is that while they are here they give everything they’ve got. But I’ve been really pleasantly surprised with their attitude and their mentality.
“I’d love (to say no to all offers) but I don’t think it’s realistic. The transfer window going on for so long is nonsense and I’ll keep saying that, although I don’t know if I’ll get in trouble at some point.”
Martin added: “It doesn’t suit anyone except those with the most finances and that’s the teams in the Premier League – I’m sure we will end up playing a few games with players that will probably end up going.
“I hope that’s not the case but you have to be honest with the situation and we are really prepared for that and really ready for that. Hopefully, we can keep hold of a few that are attracting real interest.
“A few might have to go to help us get a few in that we also really want to help us. We just have to wait and see. I can’t control that, all I can control is coaching them.
“A lot of the players with a lot of noise around them have been really brilliant and a lot of them are young men so it’s not easy with the noise around them so it’s to their credit.”
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