Pardew is aiming for League One promotion with the Saints

Southampton manager Alan Pardew has made offers for two players as he looks to strengthen his squad.

Pardew confirmed that the bids had been made but refused to reveal the identity of his targets.

He told BBC Radio Solent: "We are trying to simulate the market and see what's there."

The Saints have recently been linked with a string of players including Coventry City defender Elliot Ward and Bristol Rovers midfielder Chris Lines.

Ward is out of contract at Coventry next summer and according to reports, Preston North End and Sheffield United have expressed an interest in signing the defender.

The 24-year-old has already turned down the chance of a loan move to League Two side Notts County.

Pardew hinted that he wants to strengthen his defensive resources after Neal Trotman's loan spell at St Mary's ended and he returned to Preston.

Saints have also recalled central defender Ollie Lancashire from his loan spell at Grimsby.

Previously, Pardew told BBC Radio Solent he wanted to add new faces to his squad during the January transfer window and added:

"There's lots of players available in the squad but not many that are good enough for us. We'll have to work hard and see what comes up."

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