Defiant Saints could seal their first summer transfer despite being without a manager as they press on with life after Ronald Koeman.

The Dutchman’s protected move to Everton was finally confirmed yesterday, with Koeman officially signing a three-year contract at Goodison Park on a reported £7m a year.

Saints will receive around £5m in compensation for Koeman with his brother and assistant, Erwin, and fitness coach Jan Kluitenberg joining him in moving north.

However, that hasn’t stopped Saints pressing ahead with plans to try and land Norwich winger Nathan Redmond in an £8m deal.

The 22-year-old wide man has long been admired by Saints, and was reportedly the subject of a rejected bid back in 2014 after Norwich were relegated from the Premier League.

The situation is the same again now with the Canaries having gone down last season, while Redmond has just a year remaining on his contract.

Though the likes of Stoke, Swansea and West Brom are also interested in the England under-21 international, who scored six Premier League goals last season, it is understood that Saints lead the race to sign Redmond, who is also keen on a switch to St Mary’s.

The player is currently abroad on holiday but is set for talks when he returns.

The potential deal underlines that Saints are determined not to be put off their stride by Koeman’s departure, and are ready to press on with plans which had already been made before his abrupt decision to quit the club.

Hunting for a new manager is an obvious priority for Saints at this time, but they do not want to miss out on coveted potential signings while they take their time over an appointment.

The Daily Echo understands that Saints are relaxed about the timing of replacing Koeman, and though they would obviously likely the situation settled as quickly as possible, the ultimate goal is to get the right man for the job before the players return for pre-season training.

That gives them plenty of breathing space, with the first stars due back at the start of July.

Saints and their executive director Les Reed have had to wait to enter any formal talks with potential candidates until such time as Koeman’s move to Everton was finalised.

Confirming Koeman’s move yesterday, Saints released a statement which said: “The search has already begun for the right appointment who can take the club to the next level and build on our track record of recent success, which culminated in a sixth-place finish in last season’s Premier League, as well as qualification for the group stages of the Europa League.

“Our focus now is to build on our long-term plan, and work with a new management team who share both the club’s and our supporters’ values and ambitions.”

Koeman was quoted by Everton as saying: “I am very excited to be Everton manager. I believe in the club, in the team, in the fans and in our ability to achieve things in the future.

“Everton is a club with a great history and real ambition and it is a proud feeling for me to be part of what we want to go and do, together with the chairman and Farhad Moshiri.

“I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the club and to preparing for a big season in the Premier League.”