Why have Southampton still not signed a new goalkeeper?

Some supporters are concerned about heading into another top-flight season hamstrung by a perceived deficiency in one of the most key positions.

It follows an error costing Russell Martin's Saints a well-deserved point in the first match of the new season at Newcastle United.

Saints are keen on signing a new shot-stopper ahead of the transfer window closing next week and are tracking the availability of multiple options.

Manager Martin himself left the door open to improving in this position when he was quizzed by a fan at the club's BBC Radio Solent forum.

"We are going to have some new players and they'll be the ones that we want. If a goalkeeper is one, it's because we've deemed that we need that," he said.

Russell Martin's Saints were beaten 1-0 in the season opener (Image: PA)

The supporter in question posed the point that McCarthy had given the ball away regularly in dangerous situations during pre-season fixtures.

This continued in the 1-0 defeat at 10-man Newcastle, in which the 34 year old presented Alexander Isak with the opportunity to square for Joelinton.

Other than that, McCarthy's performance with the ball and protecting his box was exemplary - although he was not tested by another shot all afternoon.

"Al will be fine. He made one mistake and we've been punished - it's not just him. It's on me for asking him to play that way," Martin told us. 

If Saints are to sign another goalkeeper, it cannot be another backup but rather someone who can challenge McCarthy, who would at least initially remain number one.

However, Martin has backed McCarthy publicly - and injured Gavin Bazunu even more, with the Republic of Irishman still viewed as the long-term goalie.

Bazunu, 22, was sidelined by an Achilles injury in March and initial estimates had the former Man City man looking at a likely return date of 2025.

With Mat Lis and Joe Lumley also still on the books, the club would be reluctant to add another on a long-term deal and big contract.

This is why they favour a loan, with options in England and abroad that could potentially only become available in the closing stages of the window.

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale - who has been linked to the club - is one example. The Gunners unsurprisingly want a big-money permanent move for him.

Aaron Ramsdale reportedly has interest from several top-flight clubs (Image: PA)

If the 26 year old is to leave on loan, it would only be when Arsenal believe that is their last resort to get him off their books - later in the window. 

Brighton's Jason Steele and Carl Rushworth are second and third choice at Amex Stadium and it seems likely one of those would leave on loan this summer.

Saints may be looking at one, both or neither, but ultimately you cannot do any deal until the parent club is willing to sanction it.

You can insert the name of most loan targets and the situation will be the same - Saints are having to play the waiting game but hope for movement.

Reports in Turkey suggest that Goztepe is trying to sign Portuguese international Rui Patricio, 36, who would be the most high-profile of the bunch.

Crystal Palace and England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has been linked and is supposedly available for just £10million this summer.

A cut-price exchange may be enough to encourage Saints to sign one permanently but the 31 year old is not a clear improvement on McCarthy with the ball.

Johnstone's pass success rate of 79.25 per cent is the worst of all goalkeepers mentioned, while his average pass length (38.9) is significantly higher.

Johnstone also conceded seven more goals than he should have according to expected goals data in 22 appearances across the last calendar year.

Saints man McCarthy, by comparison, is only at -1.64, while Bazunu's infamous shot-stopping statistics are the worst of the three at -8.39.

Martin says he is relaxed about the situation but will want an addition. Lis and Lumley are not adequate competition, and Lis is likely to move on if replaced.

It is one to watch over the 10 next days and could be crucial to the direction of the season. The club must get something over the line.