Manager Ronald Koeman has masterminded an impressive campaign for Southampton this season following last summer’s exodus, which saw the loss of key players such as Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Rickie Lambert along with their previous manager Mauricio Pochettino, who joined Tottenham.

When Pochettino departed, the Saints were in eighth and huge 13 points behind Spurs but now, with only two fixtures left of the season, Koeman’s men are just one point adrift of Spurs.

Numerous players have been linked yet again with moves to top Premier League clubs but Koeman will need to hold onto these five players, especially if he wants to succeed next season…

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Nathaniel Clyne

Clyne has been rumoured to leave the Saints for a while now, with Manchester United the most likely destination, but Southampton need to hold onto players of his quality if they want to have a better time next season.

The defender has made 33 league appearances and has been highly rated for his solid work, but with only one year left on his contract and interest from clubs that could provide Champions League football, it is no wonder why the 24-year-old is considering his future.

Koeman needs to convince Clyne that the ongoing project at the club is one worth sticking with.

Morgan Schneiderlin

Midfielder Schneiderlin was linked with a move away from St Mary’s during last summer’s exodus and now that Arsenal have made moves towards signing him once again, it seems unlikely that he’ll stay with the Saints.

Though after their impressive season there may still be a small glimmer of hope. Spurs may also throw their hat in the ring but it is ultimately Champions League football that most players want.

The 25-year-old will be a great loss for the club but everyone is replaceable in the end and Southampton have other good midfielders.

Graziano Pelle

Pelle has had both moments of magic and misery in this his first season at Southampton.

The Italian has scored 11 league goals, which is much less than his 23 previously scored when playing for Feyenoord last term, but the Premier League provides a tougher competition.

The 29-year-old has proved to be a very resilient player featuring in every one one of their 36 league games. If Pelle can improve his consistency in front of goal then the Saints will have a powerful and reliable goalscorer to help the club realise their long-term ambitions.

Jose Fonte

Reports are that Brendan Rodgers is keen to bring Southampton’s captain Jose Fonte to Liverpool this summer, which is unsurprising as the central defender has been one of the Premier Leagues best players this season with his consistently impressive displays.

The 31-year-old joined the Saints in 2010 from Crystal Palace and has appeared over 200 times for the south coast club.

Fonte has made no suggestion that he wants to move away from St Mary’s and with Liverpool only able to offer Europa League football next season, the offer may not look that appealing anyway.

Dusan Tadic

The Serbian international joined Southampton last summer becoming Koeman’s first signing as new Saints manager.

Tadic was Eredivisie’s top assister last season and his ability to set-up his team mates has continued with seven so far not to mention four goals of his own.

The 26-year-old has previously played in the Europa League with Serbian club FK Vojvodina, so will already have some experience if Southampton do qualify for the tournament.

Tadic has settled well with his new squad and quickly adapted to the Premier League, proving to be yet another brilliant signing for the club.