Southampton could be set to lose one of their longest-serving players this summer, with reports suggesting that centre-back Jack Stephens is likely to join Watford.
What's the word?
Stephens has been with Southampton since he was just 17 but 11 years later, it seems as if his time at St Mary's could soon be up, with Watford heavily linked with signing the defender.
In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook shared his knowledge of the 28-year-old's situation with the Saints.
He said: “Stephens is interesting because I saw that knocking around yesterday and I’ve seen it again this morning.
“I did contact someone close to Southampton and they said he might go, they’re not entirely sure it’ll be to Watford, though, so keep an eye on that one.”
The best option
Stephens has steadily moved down the pecking order at Southampton in recent seasons, with the likes of Lyanco, Mohammed Salisu and Armel Bella-Kotchap joining the club, so selling the Englishman might be the best option for Southampton.
In his time on the south coast, Stephens has made 151 appearances in total, contributing six goals and six assists. However, he was limited to just 11 appearances in the Premier League last season and has started both of the games this campaign on the bench, so it would not be a surprise to see him leave in search of regular game time.
Stephens is surprisingly one of the better earners at Southampton, reportedly earning £48k per week with the club, so selling him would free up some funds for defensive improvements, which are definitely needed if the first two games of the new season are anything to go by.
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The Saints have shipped six goals already this season and had one of the worst defensive records in the top-flight last season. Indeed, they shipped 67 times, the fourth-worst number in the Premier League, so it's clear that new additions are needed if Hasenhuttl's side want to avoid another difficult campaign.
It must be worrying that Stephens can't even break into a defence as poor as that so it is undeniably the best option for all parties if he is moved on this summer.
The 28-year-old still has two years left on his contract at St Mary's so should demand a decent fee from Watford, and hopefully, his departure proves to be good news for Hasenhuttl, as it could pave the way for Southampton to sign a more reliable replacement.