What Southampton expect on Deadline Day: Latest on Ramsdale and more

They have already made 11 first-team signings this summer but they look set to add at least two more in the final hours of player trading.

A goalkeeper and attackers are the priorities with work well under way to secure those, as a deal for Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale progresses.

The 26 year old has been on the south coast since Thursday morning after the two clubs agreed an initial £18million transfer, with the fee rising to £25million.

Saints remain confident of finalising that one despite delays at the Arsenal end, as the Gunners look to secure his replacement in the market first.

Ramsdale will sign a long-term contract at St Mary's and could go straight into tomorrow's squad for Brentford if registered before 12pm.

Aaron Ramsdale's expected arrival is set to smash the club-record fee paid for a goalkeeper (Image: PA)

Sources suggest that the move could go late in the day, although Arsenal have reportedly agreed a replacement in AFC Bournemouth's Neto.

Saints initially explored the possibility of signing Ramsdale on loan but his permanent capture frees up one of the two domestic loan slots available. 

Heavy reports elsewhere suggest it will be West Ham United attacker Maxwel Cornet filling that slot, with agreement on a season-long move close.

Cornet, 27, only 16 made appearances in all competitions for the Hammers last season, but scored nine Premier League goals in one campaign for Burnley.

Brazilian striker Yuri Alberto has been linked but is said to be unlikely, while Newcastle United's Ryan Fraser is still without a move away from St James' Park.

Manager Russell Martin admitted the number of attacking reinforcements Saints sign today could depend on the number of players sold.

He left the door open to more than one, saying: "We'll have to wait and see. We have a lot of similar options so we need probably one or two points of difference.

"It depends on who leaves the building as well, whether it's one or two players or whatever, it will depend on maybe who goes out."

Saints still have Paul Onuachu, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Armel Bella-Kotchap up for sale - but some transfer windows such as in Turkey do not shut tonight.

Armel Bella-Kotchap made his first Saints appearance in over a year at Cardiff City (Image: PA)

The club are keen to offload the trio on permanent deals, while out-of-favour defender Ryan Manning is one to watch if there is interest in him.

Martin admitted he had resigned himself to losing Kyle Walker-Peters this month but the 27 year old remains at the club with less than 12 months on his contract.

Nobody has made a serious bid for the two-time international and the boss now claims he expects to keep his star man beyond the deadline.

Saints would likely still consider a big offer for Walker-Peters, if he expressed his desire to leave, but have left a new contract renewal on the table for him.

It is customary to see some academy movement on deadline day, as those pushing for senior football land last-minute loans in the top four tiers.

Many youngsters have already gone out but someone like Derrick Abu could land a move. Jayden Meghoma's future is uncertain with under a year on his deal. 

Rumours suggested Saints are keen on reuniting with former captain James Ward-Prowse but loaning Cornet would mean that has to be permanent.

You can never rule anything out with certainty but a club source said they would be "amazed" if that happened. But deadline day is known for shocks!

There may still be some other surprises along the way with the list of players linked to Saints this summer still growing. Strap in and enjoy.