Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is becoming increasingly anxious about getting new signings through the front door.
Koeman concedes his squad is woefully short of senior numbers following a raft of summer sales.
"I believe in our young players, but you have to be realistic. We need competition in the squad. Therefore, players have to come," said Koeman. "We must be prepared for the first league game against Liverpool.
"I am patient, because I know that the club is working very hard. Every manager wants their squad ready from the beginning of the league. We are working hard to bring new guys in and we are close too.
"We must be patient and quiet. We will be ready."
