SAINTS are closing in on the signing of FC Twente defender Cuco Martina, after Ryan Bertrand was ruled out for a number of weeks because of knee surgery.

Ronald Koeman revealed today that Bertrand had undergone a “small” operation on both knees and was likely going to be sidelined for five-to-six weeks.

The Saints boss said the club had wanted to add to their numbers at the back and were nearing a deal for the versatile 25-year-old Martina, who is a Curacao international.

“We are interested in the player and we like to sign the player,” said Koeman.

“It’s because Ryan Bertrand had a small surgery ten days ago in both knees and he will be out for the next coming weeks and totally the number of defenders we have is too small, we need more competition, and that player of FC Twente, Martina, is available in three of the four positions in the defence and that gives us more players, more defenders to play a tough season.”