MANAGER Russell Martin insisted that Saints have “highlighted” signing a new winger due to their lack of depth in the attacking third.

At present, Southampton only have Sam Edozie, Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Kamaldeen Sulemana as out-and-out wingers at the club.

New signing Ben Brereton Diaz is also capable of playing out wide, while Adam Armstrong shone off the right last season.

Southampton have lost Welsh international David Brooks and Newcastle United's Ryan Fraser following the end of their loan deals.

The St Mary’s side have been linked with Crystal Palace’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi this summer, and have attempted to re-sign Fraser.

Crystal Palace's Jes Rak-Sakyi (centre) scores during the pre-season friendly match at Broadfield Stadium, Crawley.Crystal Palace's Jes Rak-Sakyi (centre) scores during the pre-season friendly match at Broadfield Stadium, Crawley. (Image: PA)

Asked if they will dip into the market again for attacking reinforcements, Martin told the Daily Echo: "We've got Sam Edozie and Sam Amo-Ameyaw in the building at the minute.

"We are still trying to get Kamaldeen up to speed with minutes. So, yeah, I think it is pretty evident and obvious that it is an area we will definitely highlight."

Amo-Ameyaw, 17, has been one of Southampton's stand-out performers during pre-season so far having made a permanent step up from the under-21s.

Martin labelled him as the only player to play with "joy" during their pre-season defeat at Oxford United but has also pointed out the need to temper expectations.

Saints have primarily played a 4-3-3 system during pre-season, a potential indication that wingers will play an important role this season, as they did last year.