Southampton's Wilcox admits that 'two or three' more could leave

Wilcox’s first transfer window at Southampton saw 12 players depart, while eight new faces were added to the squad.

Among those who left were captain James Ward-Prowse, youngsters Tino Livramento and Romeo Lavia and academy graduate Nathan Tella - earning the club upwards of £100million.

Reflecting with BBC Radio Solent on the current depth of Saints' squad, Wilcox said: “We are happy with the size of the squad, but there may be two or three more that move.

“Some of the markets elsewhere are still open, so there may be two or three more outgoings but we obviously won’t bring any more in.

“When you look at the balance of the squad the age, experience and profiles are really important.

“The culture of the squad is really important. We have got players that have something to prove to people - which is really important.

“I’ve played in squads before where managers have signed players where people have gone ‘why have we brought this player in?’

“But they’ve got the fire inside their bellies to go and prove something.

“We have to stick with each other through thick and thin. We are going to lose football matches.

“We are going to have some tough days home and away, but the fans are going to be the extra man.”

In addition to signing players with Premier League experience, Southampton were able to keep hold of some key players.

They fought off interest from top clubs to retain the services of Che Adams, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Kyle Walker-Peters.

Despite several members of the squad remaining at the club having been linked with moves away, Wilcox isn't worried about players downing tools.

“I’m really confident that we don’t have any bad apples," he continued. "They are really good professionals.

“You mentioned Che Adams there, of course, we had lots of interest in him and he had speculation all summer. He’s the ultimate professional - he’s a top guy.

“He wants to play in the Premier League. I want to be in the Premier League as well. Let’s not judge players for wanting to play in the Premier League.

“Now that it’s done they’ll get down to business, I’ve got no doubts about their character.

"The same goes for Kamaldeen Sulemana."

Having arrived in the summer after completing his work at Manchester City, where he served as their academy director, Wilcox is still making his first steps as a director of football.

Asked how he found his first experience of a transfer window, in which he headed up Saints recruitment charge, Wilcox responded: “Really stressful and really tough.

“I inherited a big playing squad, we had 31 outfield players and three goalkeepers.

“Even if we sold or loaned 11 we still had 20 players here, and then you’ve got the transition of players who are attracting Premier League interest.

“Dealing with those situations has been a real challenge, but one that I’ve really enjoyed.

“The manager has been brilliant all the way through. We’ve had players that have started the season before moving on.

“The board have been amazing and Sport Republic have been amazing - we have all worked together.

"Some people look at the transfer window and think it’s me, but we are a team.

"I think we are in very good shape now and we can review it in January.”