Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has admitted he fears that the duo of Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne may not be at the club much longer.
Manchester United have been linked with both players, while Arsenal and Liverpool are targeting Schneiderlin.
Southampton, last summer, saw a host of players leave St Mary’s.
Luke Shaw departed for Old Trafford, Calum Chambers signed for Arsenal, and Liverpool took Dejan Lovren, Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana.
Despite the departures, the Saints have been able to sustain an unlikely top-four challenge so far this season.
And Koeman has feared the possibility of another summer mass exodus.
“Maybe it will be a question for these players that they like to play European football and the Champions League,” Koeman said.
“If there is any interest in these players, it will be easier for us if we play European Cup football to keep them. That’s always an important reason for a player to stay.
“I know the situation. We are Southampton and if we are doing well there is always interest in players, and it’s up to the success of the club.
“I like this, rather than to be on the bottom and there is no interest in the players.”
Steve Osborne @Pack3rNa7ion
