Southampton will not be forced into panic signings this month, according to Mauricio Pellegrino.
Saints are rumoured to be closing in on deals for Monaco striker Guido Carrillo and Spartak Moscow winger Quincy Promes in a bid to bolster their forward line.
But Pellegrino has vowed the south coast club will not add to their squad simply for the sake of it during the January window.
“We are working really hard to try to move one step forwards in different aspects, to bring in players that can help us,” said Pellegrino of Southampton’s transfer plans.
“If we are in this situation now, and no one new is here, it is because we are pushing to try to bring in good players and good players are difficult to bring in.
“But I have to be optimistic that in the next few days something significant will happen.”
Saints have already missed out on recruiting Arsenal star Theo Walcott this month, with the England forward opting to join Everton over returning to his boyhood club.
But Pellegrino has launched a staunch defence of Southampton’s transfer policy and recruitment drive, insisting the St Mary’s outfit will not stop chasing top-drawer targets.
“The people at this club, the board and the staff, they have been working with me since day one to try to improve our situation,” said Pellegrino ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham at St Mary’s.
“I am working with them, I follow the negotiations and I know they are doing everything to try to bring in new additions.
“But it’s not just about our decisions, because negotiations have two sides.
“If we are waiting now, it’s because now we cannot be too anxious to try to make quick deals. We have to be calm even in difficult situations.
“I’d rather bring in one player instead of sign three that we wouldn’t be sure would improve the squad.”
