Ronald Koeman targets defensive cover after Florin Gardos injury

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has admitted that he must delve into the transfer market this summer to sign a new centre-back.

The Saints have lost Florin Gardos to a long-term injury layoff, while Toby Alderweireld opted to join Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Koeman acknowledges that bringing in defensive cover is now a "priority", with the new Premier League season just a fortnight away.

"That's the priority, to bring in one or two centre-backs," BBC Sport quotes the Dutchman as saying. "It's too small with Maya [Yoshida] and Jose [Fonte].

"OK, we have [Jack] Stephens, we have [Jordan] Turnbull, but they are young and still they have to improve themselves."

Southampton, who face Vitesse in a Europa League qualifier next Thursday, have already brought in five new faces this summer - Jordy Clasie, Juanmi, Cuco Martina, Cedric Soares and Maarten Stekelenburg.