Saints were linked with Scottish international centre back Andy Webster of Hearts who was available for as little as £250k, thanks to a clause in his contract which means that players in the third year of a four year deal can join a club in another country for compensation only. However, he looks set to join Wigan, with Blackburn also showing interest late in the day.
This makes the decision to let Jim Brennan go all the more frustrating. Presumably the club knew that Danny Higginbotham was stalling on a new contract and could have least kept that option open until Higginbotham's situation had been resolved. He would have been more than adequate back-up for teen prodigy Gareth Bale who at 17 cannot be expected to play every game no matter how promising a talent.
Saints squad is also understrength in central midfield after the departures of Matthew Oakley and loan signings Richard Chaplow and Darren Potter. Saints have signed Sarmiento but he is yet to adapt to the pace of the English game, meaning that Burley called up Czech midfielder Mario Licka for a trial.
Licka has impressed in pre-season with his high energy and good passing ability and Burley is keen to offer the 24 year old a deal: "We are talking to him. He is available on a free so we are trying to get him permanently."