Ronald Koeman has made the hunt for at least one new centre half his top priority after learning Florin Gardos faces months out through injury.

Saints were already hoping to delve into the transfer market for a central defender after Toby Alderweireld opted to move to Tottenham rather than return to St Mary’s on a permanent deal.

Now they may even seek to recruit two players in that position after bad news about Gardos.

The Romanian defender was hoping to establish himself in his second season at Saints, but instead Koeman said he faces “six or seven months” on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.

It leaves just Jose Fonte and Maya Yoshida as experienced first team centre halves.

Saints have elevated Jack Stephens and Jordan Turnbull to the first team squad this summer after their successful loan spells at Swindon, but Koeman wants them to be given room to develop before they are thrust into regular Premier League action.

With the Dutch pre-season tour rounded off with a 3-0 victory over Feyenoord last night, it means the focus turns to trying to bring in at least one new central defender before next week’s Europa League opener against Vitesse.

Koeman said: “That’s the priority, to bring in one or maximum two centre backs.

“It’s too small with Maya and Jose.

“Ok, we have Stephens, we have Turnbull, but they are young and still they have to improve themselves and that’s the point for attention at the moment, the centre back position.”

Koeman is hoping the club can move quickly to try and seal deals for targets.

When asked a timescale for recruiting a new defender he smiled: “I hope tomorrow.

“But that means that we are working to bring in a new player as quick as possible.”

Gardos had a mixed first season at Saints following his move from Steaua Bucharest, but was hoping for further opportunities in the upcoming campaign with Alderweireld having moved on.

However, he now looks likely to miss much of the season.

“Very sad news,” reflected Koeman.

“He was going in his second season in Southampton and young and that type of injury and you lose six or seven months and everybody is disappointed.”

Gaston Ramirez was also missing from the Dutch tour through injury but he is expected to be fit again for next week.