Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer believes it is in Takumi Minamino's best interest to remain at St. Mary's and not return to Liverpool.

The Japanese attacker joined the Saints from Jurgen Klopp's side for the second half of the season on loan after struggling for game time at Anfield.

And the possibility of him returning to Southampton for the next campaign looks to be there, with Ralph Hasenhuttl recently confirming to HampshireLive that conversations over bringing Minamino back have been held with Liverpool.

For Palmer, the 26-year-old Japan international needs to be doing all he can to extend his stay at St. Mary's.

"Stay and play, stay and play," the ex-Southampton ace said as he discussed Minamino's future with FFC.

"That is the big thing: there's no point being at a club, sitting in the reserves or sitting on the bench and not playing. You've got to play. That's how you become better and that's how you become more experienced.

"If he doesn't get in the Liverpool side, somebody might come in the top six or seven and say, 'Right, he's been playing at Southampton; we'll take him.' But the only way that's going to happen is by playing football.

"I don't understand it [sitting on the bench]."

While Minamino was not always a starter at Southampton, the former RB Salzburg man registered way more minutes than he did at Liverpool, while he was also able to chip in with a couple of goals.

So, ultimately, if the opportunity to remain at the south coast club does present itself, then he should take it.