Claude Puel has reiterated in his press conference that should the right player become available then the club will make a move to replace Jose Fonte.
Speaking at the press conference ahead of the League Cup Semi Final on Wednesday Claude Puel revealed that the club is actively looking to replace Jose Fonte this transfer window.
"We will study possibilities to replace him,” Puel told reporters at a press conference ahead of the EFL Cup semi-final with Liverpool. "That’s normal. There is a possibility until the end of the market.
"For the moment at centre back we have Maya Yoshida, van Dijk, Gardos and Jack Stephens, and we will see if we have an opportunity, or if we will stay with our confidence in these players. We will see at the end of the market.
"For me, I am happy with all the squad and I respect my players. I am happy with these players and if one or two come into the squad then I think it will be important they can bring something more than the players for the moment in the squad.”
There are some supporters who will use the fact that Puel has said that he is quite happy to stick with the current options at centre back if he has to as a sign that the club isn't looking to replace Fonte.
That is clearly not the case, Puel has clearly stated that the club is still looking at options, however if for whatever reason they cannot land a target that they are happy with, then the manager has to plan for that fact and it would be folly to write off those players that he might have to work with.
Of course Puel like an manager would like to see quality signings come i, but they don't grow on trees and the January transfer window is traditionally overpriced.
Saints of course remain linked with Mamdou Sakho who is set to leave Liverpool, it is pertinent that the rumour mill on his transfer has gone quiet of late, suggesting that perhaps a deal has been struck for the player between Liverpool and a club.
If that is the case then the question is why has the transfer not gone through yet, that would suggest that Saints could be about to land Sakho, but Liverpool will not sell until Wednesday's semi final is concluded.