Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that he will not attempt to sign any players from his former club Espanyol.

Pochettino, who left Espanyol in November last year, believes that there is no need to raid the Spanish club for their key assets and distances himself from reports linking the Saints with a move for Joan Verdu.

"I'm not going to take any players from Espanyol," the Argentinian told Esports Cope. "I won't do anything that goes against the club. There are a lot of football players in the world.

"I'm happy they're out of the relegation zone because ultimately I'm just another Espanyol fan."

Pochettino started his Saints managerial career with a goalless draw against Everton on Monday.