Saints hope to have completed the signing of a new centre half in time for Saturday’s season opener with Leeds.

The club have been in discussions over the potential signing of Tunisian defender Ammar Jemal but the deal is still being held up over a work permit.

Saints are also in advanced talks with QPR over the possible swap deal that could see Jason Puncheon move to Loftus Road and Latvian centre half Kaspars Gorkss, plus cash, come to St Mary’s.

Full story in today's Daily Echo