Former Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer has told The Transfer Tavern that free agents are likely to be the way forward for the south coast outfit this summer.

The Saints have already secured the services of Theo Walcott following his loan spell last season on a free after his release from parent club Everton.

According to Transfermarkt, Southampton’s net-spent last season was around £11m, meaning a summer spending spree at St Mary’s is unlikely.

Captain James Ward-Prowse has been strongly linked with a move to Aston Villa following his fine form for both club and country, which could free up some funds, but it’s unlikely Southampton will want to sell their best players.

One player than has already left is Ryan Bertrand, who’ll officially exit the club at the end of this month once his deal expires.

Bertrand’s departure leaves Southampton with no recognised senior left-backs, so Palmer was asked whether he thinks Patrick van Aanholt would be a good addition following his release from Crystal Palace.

When asked about the Dutchman, who was praised by Marcelo Bielsa after Palace’s 4-1 victory over Leeds last season, he exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“They haven’t got much money in terms of big salaries, so that’s what they’ve got to be looking at, free transfers, and somebody that can come in and enhance the team. That’s the market they’re in.”