MANAGER Russell Martin insisted Saints will sign a mixture of experienced and exciting players ahead of their return to the Premier League.

The 38 year old stressed that there is a balance to be had between adding players with top-flight know-how and youngsters who can help the club in years to come.

Saints have so far confirmed four new arrivals, Adam Lallana, Charlie Taylor, Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood, as they look to add quality to the squad this summer.

Southampton are also reportedly close to securing a deal for Japanese right-back Yukinari Sugawara from AZ Alkmaar.

At a Q&A with supporters, Martin was asked for reassurance that Saints have learned from their prior mistake of signing too many young players.

READ MORE: Martin backs Stewart to play 'big part' for Southampton this season

He said: “We need to add in a few areas. We are looking to strengthen the squad as much as we can within the financial limits that won’t put the club under any pressure.

“I think we have recruited really well so far. On the whole, they have been British players who want to be at Southampton.

“That’s really important. We won’t just sign players who want to play in the Premier League and earn lots of money.

Adam Lallana, 36, is back at Saints on a one-year dealAdam Lallana, 36, is back at Saints on a one-year deal (Image: Southampton FC)

“So far, we have signed players who are desperate to be here and don’t just see this as a place where they can come to earn a move to another club.

“There is a balance to be had. We have signed young players who have played a lot of football in England.

“We have Adam Lallana who in his first week has already made a huge difference on the training pitch.

“The way he trains and the way he conducts himself, he is going to be a huge asset to the group. Charlie Taylor is the same.

“We have balanced Ronnie and Woody, two outstanding young centre-backs, with Charlie and Adam.

“We will sign players with experience. I think some people can undervalue experience but we will sign some players who are exciting moving forward as well.”