The arrival of Adam Armstrong will make it harder for Michael Obafemi to break into Ralph Hasenhuttl’s plans, the Saints boss has revealed.

Obafemi is one of Rovers’ top targets to replace Armstrong who made the move to St Mary’s on Tuesday, while Armanda Broja also signed on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

That came as Southampton look to react to the loss of Danny Ings to Aston Villa, with Che Adams and Theo Walcott other striking options on the club’s books.

With Obafemi into the final 12 months of his deal, and injury restricting him to just five appearances last term, Hasenhuttl says there is the prospect of the Republic of Ireland international moving on in this window, but he remains training with the club as things stand.

"The latest with Obafemi is that he is our player and he is a young player with potential,” he told Hampshire Live.

"So far, he has had a few good games in the Premier League but has never had a very consistent season.

"We have a lot of alternatives in his position and this does not make it any easier for him to play.”

Several clubs are understood to be looking at Obafemi’s situation and Hasenhuttl says he will talk with the player about what the future holds, but is wary of leaving himself short of options should he agree to his exit.

He added: "We need every player this season. If he stays he must fight hard for his position. We want him to be in and around the group but if we see that he is not in the race to start then we will have to discuss what is the best thing for him.

"I don't want to make the mistake of letting players go. I don't want to let any players go if we think that we have got a use for them."