Southampton Transfer Dossier: Pochettino and Cortese Get To Work On Improving Depth Of Squad

Southampton are entering their first summer under new manager Mauricio Pochettino and the Spaniard is set for a decent injection of cash as the side look to continue to build on a successful first season back in the top flight.

Nicola Cortese will no doubt be a major influence over the transfer decisions that Pochettino makes, and adding depth will be a top priority as the club look to assure themselves as regular Premier League participants.

Business so far

None to be confirmed as yet, though reports are claiming the side are already close to agreeing a deal with Uruguayan winger Gonzalo Bueno worth £8m.

Cortese will be working closely with Pochettino to improve the squad after winning a power struggle with Southampton owner Katharina Liebherr in May in which some of his responsibilities were threatened to be taken away.

Meanwhile, the club have released eight players as they look to trim their wage bill and spend on new talent, with defenders Frazer Richardson and Danny Butterfield allowed to leave, along with Dan Seabourne, Ryan Dickson, Ben Reeves and Sam Hoskins, goalkeeper Tommy Forecast and midfielder Alberto Seidi.

What they need

More defenders and more strikers is the simple answer to this question. Rickie Lambert scored 15 goals last season, but Jay Rodriguez took some time to get going iand they may well need more depth.

Defensively the side could also use more force, particularly after releasing Richardson and Butterfield. The Saints failed to win any of their last eight games of the season, conceding goals on every occasion except one, and this is an issue Cortese and Pochettino will aim to resolve.

Who could join

As well as Bueno, who would beef up the attacking line-up, the club are believed to be monitoring the situations surrounding Davide Astori, who has been the centre point of Italian side Cagliari's defence since 2008. The 26 year old is still relatively young and boasts long term potential, as well as adding more depth to Southampton's defence.

There have been some outlandish reports of possible moves for Jose Enrique, Scott Sinclaie and Carlton Cole, though none have any foundation at this stage.Meanwhile, the club are also said to monitoring in-demand Celtic enforcer Victor Wanyama, who would be an impressive addition having been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United.

Who could leave

Pochettino is continuing to change the squad since taking over from Nigel Adkins, and with Billy Sharp receiving minimal game time last season, he could be on the list of players to sell this summer.

Emmanuel Mayuka is also believed to be on his way out, playing only 169 minutes for the club last season after making a €4m move from Young Boys 12 months ago.

What the manager has said

"I never rest," Pochettino said as the season came to an end. "I always keep on thinking and keep on working for the next season.

"I think the first goal was achieved and that was actually to stay in the league and we are going to be playing in the Premier League next season.

"We want to maintain the core of our players and our squad.

"Next year they will perform a lot better and be a lot more settled because they've already had that one year under their belts.

"The players that do join us hopefully will add more quality and strength to us as well."