Mark Hughes has refused to entirely rule out Saints dipping into the transfer market before the close of the window but admits it is unlikely.

The Saints boss is preparing to go with what he’s got at least until January and is not expecting any major ins or outs.

He confirmed Saints are still trying to find a suitable club for Fraser Forster and that there is interest in taking a number of their youngsters on loan.

However, Hughes wants to keep the young talent at St Mary’s, at least until January, to see whether they can play themselves into first team contention.

He said: “At this moment in time as we stand here we are probably at a point where we are not likely to do any business, but you never know.

“If there is something that presents itself and makes sense and you have the means and resources to do it then we will look at it.

“As we stand I wouldn’t have thought we would be doing much.”

In terms of any departures before the window slams shut on Thursday night, Hughes added: “I don’t think so.

“We have a lot of interest in a lot of the younger players but they may be best served staying here and waiting for an opportunity.

“It’s maybe a different conversation in January if I haven’t been able to give them decent enough game time. Then it might be preferable to send them out, but I think at the moment we keep everybody in house.”

The Forster situation is a difficult one for Saints.

He wants to play games and having slipped to third choice that is not likely to happen at Saints.

He is also on a major contract after signing a new five-year deal last summer.

“Fraser is looking at options really,” admitted Hughes.

“I had a conversation with him earlier in the season and said from his point of view he needs to get back playing and he agrees with that.

“We are looking at options and seeing if we could get him to a place that he would feel is appropriate for his talents.

“We haven’t been able to manage that so we will have to play that by ear.”