Every summer, a number of players are linked with moves away from Southampton.

In the past few seasons, the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin, Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mane have joined the long list of individuals that have left St Mary’s Stadium for pastures new, but the south coast outfit will hope that it is finally a different story at the end of the current campaign as they strive for some consistency.

However, Saints left-back Ryan Bertrand is a £30m target for Manchester City according to reports in The Sun, and if a move does materialise, then manager Claude Puel could be looking for a replacement for the influential England international.

While youngsters Sam McQueen and Matt Targett have impressed in the position when given an opportunity, Puel might want a player with more experience defensively – and one that provides the same impact as Bertrand does going forward – with the full-backs a key part of the current side.

Here are FOUR left-backs that could replace Bertrand if he does link up with Guardiola’s men…

Ryan Sessegnon

The 16-year-old has quickly become one of the most highly-rated young players in England following some fine performances at left-back for Championship outfit Fulham this season.

In 14 league appearances this term, Sessegnon has shown his attacking ability by the fact that he has scored two goals and picked up two assists, while he has been accomplished from a defensive point of view as well.

It only seems to be a matter of time before he makes a move to the Premier League, and the Saints will be high up on the list of suitors if Ryan Bertrand departs for Manchester City.

Andy Robertson

In what has been a difficult season for Hull City, one of their standout performers has been left-back Robertson.

The Scotland international has certainly shown that he has all of the attributes of a modern-day full-back in an attacking sense, while defensively he has made 39 interceptions in 22 Premier League appearances this term.

At 22, Robertson certainly fits the profile of the majority of Southampton’s recent additions, too.

Jordan Amavi

While it may seem like a strange suggestion to some, when you look more closely a Southampton move for Amavi would make perfect sense.

The 22-year-old was Saints manager Claude Puel’s first-choice left-back during the duo’s time together at Nice, and he is sure to be keeping an eye on the Villa star’s progress.

With the Championship outfit looking set for another season in England’s second tier and Steve Bruce signing Neil Taylor from Swansea in January, Amavi could be available for a cut-price fee.

Luke Shaw

This might be a controversial one, but the former Saint almost certainly looks to be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer as he is completely out-of-favour under Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho and will be looking for regular first-team football.

Shaw was a big favourite during his time at St Mary’s, but whether he would want to return to the south coast, and whether Southampton would be willing to welcome him back, is certainly not a guarantee.