MANAGER Russell Martin admitted Saints would ideally sell some players before making more moves in the transfer market.

Martin insisted Southampton will still push on in their pursuit of a player if the deal is time-sensitive.

He cited their large squad and transfer outlay so far as reasons not to risk the club's financial position.

Southampton have spent nearly £40million combined on securing the permanent arrivals of Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes following their loan spells last season.

Flynn Downes has returned to Saints from West HamFlynn Downes has returned to Saints from West Ham (Image: Southampton FC)

A number of Saints players, including Kyle Walker-Peters, Paul Onuachu and Armel Bella-Kotchap have been linked with a move away from the club this summer.

Martin told the Daily Echo: "I think we have a case now where we have a lot of players, a lot of people in the building.

"I know some people don't feel like we've spent a lot of money because two of the guys were already here last year.

"It feels different, but we've spent a lot of money on them. So yeah, I think it's natural that people need to probably leave now.

“I think if we really need to do something and it's time-sensitive then we will. 

"The ideal thing for the club now and for everyone is that a couple of players will go for money and then we can do some more business."

Kyle Walker-Peters played a key role as Saints won promotionKyle Walker-Peters played a key role as Saints won promotion (Image: PA)

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Martin added: "It feels like we maybe haven't improved the starting XI yet, but it's a brilliant starting XI that got us to the Premier League.

"We have made them our own. If we had signed them fresh, people might have a different feeling about it.

"We are working really hard behind the scenes. There are things that are well on the way and some that are early on that we are making headway with.

"There is some stuff we were on with that we have dropped because they've gone elsewhere or we can't afford to pay the fee right now. I'm relaxed about it."

Alex McCarthy is viewed as first choice at Saints following his play-off heroicsAlex McCarthy is viewed as first choice at Saints following his play-off heroics (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

Martin has previously outlined that Southampton's pursuit of a new goalkeeper will be dictated by one of their current keeper's leaving.

He has also insisted that Saints have highlighted targeting a new wideman given their lack of depth in that area.

Ghana international Kamaldeen Sulemana has been ruled out for a few weeks and will miss the start of the Premier League season.