The centre-back departed St Mary’s for West Ham United last week, and Puel says the club are keeping abreast of possible replacements.



He reiterated, however, that they would only bring someone in who would improve the squad and that he retains full faith in the players he already has.



“We will study possibilities to replace him,” Puel told reporters at a press conference ahead of the EFL Cup semi-final with Liverpool. "That’s normal. There is a possibility until the end of the market.



"For the moment at centre back we have Maya Yoshida, van Dijk, Gardos and Jack Stephens, and we will see if we have an opportunity, or if we will stay with our confidence in these players. We will see at the end of the market.



“For me, I am happy with all the squad and I respect my players. I am happy with these players and if one or two come into the squad then I think it will be important they can bring something more than the players for the moment in the squad.”

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