It’s been a big week for Southampton fans in the Transfer Tavern as they prepare for the EFL cup final at Wembley…

However, although it would be nice for Claude Puel to win a trophy during his first season in charge of the South Coast club, Saints fans in the Transfer Tavern are more interested in whether the Frenchman can stop an exodus happening in the summer – something that has occurred far too regularly for their liking since returning to the Premier League.

Our landlord, as usual, has had his say on the matter and put his opinions in pure black and white for Southampton fans; the club simply do not have the status to keep their best players and are resigned to losing them on an almost annual basis.

Inevitably, this has sparked some ugly scenes in the Transfer Tavern, as well as a large debate over which players would actually make a better career for themselves away from St Mary’s by attracting interest from other clubs.

Here are TWO of the most popular names who will surely be in demand this summer…

Virgil van Dijk

Had it not been for an ankle injury, there is some debate as to whether or not Virgil van Dijk would still be a Southampton player.

The Dutchman has been in fantastic form since arriving from Celtic and our landlord just simply cannot see him at St Mary’s next season, having proved himself capable of playing at a much higher level.

Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool all need fresh blood at the heart of defence and Van dijk has already shown how effective he can be in the Premier League.

Shane Long

The prominance of Manalo Gabbiadini has meant Long has had to settle for a place on the Southampton bench in recent times and with Jay Rodriguez and Charlie Austin in the Saints squad, he may just be the player to give way.

There has not been shortage in Long’s services from other Premier League clubs and as proven as a striker who can pop up with a few important goals within a season, our landlord expects the Irishman to be in demand this summer.