St Etienne coach Jean-Louis Gasset says his squad lacks depth.
Tottenham winger Georges-Kevin Nkoudou is Gasset's top target for the remaining days of the summer market.
And he said: "The leaders know my position. It must not be said that young people will be the saviors. It's up to the pros to do the job first. I did not give a figure of 16 confirmed players by chance to build the squad.
"I know that injuries can weaken us. The leaders know it and there are a few days left before the end of the transfer window."