Southampton's rise from a League One outfit to a European side has been magnificent but the Saints have struggled to make the next step, often losing their key players in the summer and having to start from scratch.

Groundhog day is a yearly occurrence on the South Coast and it's going to be difficult to change that. Fortunately for Southampton, their illustrious youth academy continues to churn out quality players on a regular basis to keep the club afloat.

At some stage, something needs to change for the Saints, though, to make the next step forward but they can at least be comfortable in the knowledge they have the stability to make their long-term vision an achievable objective.

Each individual player needs to assess their circumstances, though, which will, unfortunately, lead to more walking down the well-trodden path out of St Mary's...

Dusan Tadic

The 27-year-old Serbian international has been a big hit in English football since arriving from the continent and he's hit a strong run of form this season, creating 31 scoring chances for his team in the Premier League - although his strike partners are yet to put any of them away.

Starring in the Europa League and displaying his talents to a wider audience, Tadic has the capability to take a jump up to a Champions League outfit. Whilst it's highly unlikely that would be with another English side, a move back to the continent could hand him his chance.

Virgil Van Dijk

Earning a wealth of praise for his displays with Southampton this season, Virgil van Dijk has been tipped with a move to one of the big boys in January and looks set to become the latest Saints man to be snapped up by a Premier League rival.

The Dutch defender has excelled since moving south of the border from Celtic and is showing his credentials as one of the finest defenders in the top-flight of English football. With a jump to a bigger club, he could stake a claim to be amongst the best in the world.

Fraser Forster

The England international, now 28, is in the prime years of his career and the next two years between now and the 2018 World Cup will be decisive. With Joe Hart falling from grace in Manchester City and spending the year on loan with Torino, Forster has a real chance to make the No.1 jersey his own.

In two years with the club, Forster has made his name in English football having previously had to move to Scotland to jump-start his career in the higher divisions. That was a decision that really paid off and a similar move in the next year or so could be the next step to greatness.

James Ward-Prowse

English talent comes at a premium price these days, so Southampton can expect to get a large wedge of cash should a bigger side come knocking for James Ward-Prowse. The 22-year-old is currently captain of England's U-21 side but, due to his age, he'll soon outgrow the squad and needs to make the step into the senior team.

Unfortunately for him, those outside the traditional top six in English football can find it difficult to get their opportunity, but moving on isn't an easy decision either, as limited first-team action following a transfer could lead him into a dark corner.

It's clear the youngster has a huge career ahead of him but Southampton should be able to get a few years out of him yet.

Nathan Redmond

Like James Ward-Prowse, Southampton is probably going to be a stepping-stone towards bigger things for Nathan Redmond. Earning his stay in the Premier League after being relegated with Norwich City last term, Redmond has shown he has the ability to be a regular star in the top-flight.

Also just 22, the winger has years ahead of him and you can expect them to be at the top of the game. He'll need to time any transfer away from Southampton right, though, ensuring he moves somewhere that will give him regular football.

If he and Ward-Prowse do stay for a longer spell, then they could lead Southampton's rise to the next level.