Life under Claude Puel has gone relatively smoothly since the Frenchman took charge at Southampton during the summer.
With a current midtable league position to go alongside an EFL Cup semi-final berth, those on the south coast should be pleased with their campaign so far – perhaps with the exception of exiting the Europa League at the group stages.
But as any good manager worth their salt will tell you, keeping your squad happy is always a tough task.
Obviously, Puel’s Southampton project is still a work in progress and will take time to really come into its own. But with nearly a half season behind him, the former Monaco boss must now look to reshape his squad in the January transfer window.
It’s no secret that Southampton could do with some new faces, especially in attack. But we’re more concerned with these THREE stars who could be heading for the St Mary’s exit door.
Jose Fonte
A member of Portugal’s Euro 2016 winning squad in July, Jose Fonte seems to be continuously linked with a move away from Southampton. It’s almost as if winning Euro 2016 has put the centre-back in the shop window.
If reports are to be believed, the 32-year-old is refusing to sign a new contract and Southampton now have to decide whether to cash in on their asset or risk him walking away for nothing in 18 months’ time.
The question now is where will Fonte end up? Jose Mourinho is supposedly long been an admirer of the 32-year-old and he may feel that he could be the man to stabilise what has been a shaky defence at Old Trafford. If Mourinho is to sign his compatriot then a bid of £5m would likely be enough to enable the move to Manchester.
Virgil Van Dijk
It’s not just one centre-back that Southampton could be losing in January, it could very well be two. That’s because a string of top Premier League clubs are on full alert when it comes to possibly signing Dutchman Virgil van Dijk. Although Southampton have been slightly goal shy so far this season they have given away very little at the other end and that is thanks to the impressive performances of Van Dijk. His showings have been earning rave reviews and with that the rumours of his departure from Southampton are beginning to pick up pace. What is most appealing is that the buy-out clause contract for the former Celtic Defender is just £25m. Small change in this current market.
With the repeated absence of Vincent Kompany through injury, Manchester City may want to consider a bid in January. Pep Guardiola does of course already have options but there are already doubts over John Stones since his signing from Everton while Nicolas Otamendi’s inconsistency is also cause for concern. The 25-year-old is now being earmarked as the long-term replacement for captain Kompany as many feel that this could be one injury too many for the Belgian international and that his best days at the Etihad Stadium are numbered.
Jay Rodriguez
You could almost be excused for forgetting that Jay Rodriguez was a one-time England international. If you can cast your minds back to the 2013/14 season the former Burnley forward scored 15 Premier League goals and won his solitary England cap. That was definitely the high point of Rodriguez’s career so far and the last couple of seasons have been bleak by comparison. A two-year spell that has been beset by injuries has seen Rodriguez slip down the pecking order at Southampton and that once potentially blossoming England career is now just a mere afterthought. With just three appearances to his name this season in the top flight a move from St Mary’s could do wonders for both him and the club.
Swansea, Hull and West brom are all supposedly keen on J-Rod, who may need a change of scenery to get his career back on track.