Following the recent long-term injury to Frenchman Jeremy Pied, Southampton found themselves with just two fit right-backs, one of which being Cuco Martina, who was reportedly set to leave the club for Everton.

With the prospect of no cover for first choice right-back Cedric Soares looming large, Southampton have been forced to delay Martina's move until a sufficient replacement is found for the Curacoan international on the South Coast. 

Martina moving on

After just a season in the red and white stripes, the arrival of Pied in early August, a player familiar to and therefore favoured by new Saints manager Claude Puel, suggested that the now out of favour Martina would once again be searching for a new club this summer.

Step forward former Southampton manager, Ronald Koeman. The new Everton boss was reportedly keen on reuniting with Martina, with a fee of £2.5 million allegedly being agreed for the 26 year-old between the clubs. 

With Pied impressing on his Southampton debut and a deal agreed for the sale of Martina, Southampton's right-back issues appeared to be solved.

Pied's injury

However, the situation is now not so simple. Southampton were hit with a major injury blow last week, as Jeremy Pied suffered a cruciate injury, which could keep him out of the entire season. Subsequently, Martina's move was put in jeopardy.

Pied's injury is likely to end his season. Photo source: Vavel.
Pied's injury is likely to end his season. Photo source: Vavel.

Deadline day replacement

As a result of Pied's injury, Southampton's priority on deadline day is to ensure that should Martina leave for Merseyside, a deputy right-back replacement is found before 11 O'clock tonight. It is reported that the club are keen to secure their new signing as quickly as possible, allowing them to then push the Martina deal through. 

It is unknown whether the Saints are looking to bring in a player on a loan.

Other deadline day news

Excluding the right-back situation, it looks like being an uneventful deadline day at St Mary's. Forward Jay Rodriguez, who looked set for a loan move away just a few days ago, is now expected to stay put following an impressive performance off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland last weekend.

Is Fonte going to be the victim of an eleventh hour bid? Photo: Sky Sports
Is Fonte going to be the victim of an eleventh hour bid? Photo: Sky Sports

Similarly, after a summer filled with rumours and expectation, captain Jose Fonte will also remain a Southampton player, amid interest from Manchester United. However, Saints fans will still be concerned, as the 32 year-old is yet to extend his contract beyond the next two seasons.   

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