Claude Puel is set to continue his Saints shake-up after a day which saw a major departure and a statement arrival at St Mary’s.

The Saints boss and his squad landed in America for their pre-season training camp leaving those back at base to confirm the sale of Graziano Pelle and tie up a deal for promising midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

One of the major focusses now for Puel is to recruit a new right back, with the Saints boss having identified another player who can fit into the attacking style he desires as a top priority.

Saints have already been busy in the transfer market this summer.

They have sold four players – Sadio Mane, Juanmi, Pelle and Victor Wanyama – for fees totalling more than £60m.

They have also splashed out £22m in bringing in Nathan Redmond and Hojbjerg, with more new faces expected to arrive.

Hojbjerg has committed himself to a five-year contract Saints in a £12m move from Bayern Munich.

The 20-year-oldd, a box to box midfielder, is considered a player of immense promise by the Saints scouting network and manager.

Executive Director of Football Les Reed added: “Pierre boasts an impressive pedigree, as well as a great deal of potential, and it is testament to our reputation that he has chosen Southampton ahead of other suitors as the next step in his career.

“We believe the club will be an ideal place for Pierre to continue his progression and that he will be an excellent addition to our squad.

“We now have the perfect blend of positional strength, experience and dynamic youth in our midfield slots. There will be healthy competition, but also the required depth and robustness for our challenge in the Europa League.

“I believe as a group we probably have a choice from the best pool of midfield options in the Premier League.”

Going out of Saints, as expected, was Pelle.

The striker, set to turn 31 this week, has moved to Shandong Luneng in China for £13m, and a bumper contract said to be worth around £18m.

In a statement explaining the departure of the fan’s favourite, Saints said: “Southampton Football Club can confirm striker Graziano Pelle has joined Chinese side Shandong Luneng for an undisclosed fee.

“The 30 year-old moved to St Mary's from Dutch side Feyenoord in the summer of 2014, helping Saints achieve back-to-back record-breaking seasons in the Premier League.

“Pelle made 81 appearances during two successful campaigns with the club, scoring 30 goals – including some spectacular strikes – and earning recognition at international level with Italy.

“Everyone at Southampton Football Club would like to thank Graziano for his efforts during his time at St Mary’s and wish him well for the future.”

Saints are not expected to try and replace Pelle, with Charlie Austin having been signed in January as a long-term replacement for the striker.

The club also have Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez as frontline striking options, with youngsters Ryan Seager and Sam Gallagher also on the fringes of the first team squad.