The four Southampton players now in last six months of their contract

They could of course depart for free at the end of the season should they not sign new terms before June 30.

Here are the four players who could leave for free this summer...

Che Adams

Forward Che Adams, 27, has been linked with a move away from Southampton in January.

A departure could see Southampton recoup some money which can be reinvested in a new forward.

Russell Martin admitted he is hopeful of keeping the Scottish international - who has scored six goals this season.

Asked by the Daily Echo in September about his future, Adams did not give a committal answer.

He said: "It’s difficult to say. We have just come from a busy summer, jam-packed with everything everywhere and it’s about getting my head down and scoring goals.

"I’ve come off that for the last few weeks. My football has to be the most important thing. 

"With games coming thick and fast in the Championship, it’s hard to sit down and actually reflect on what’s going on or think about the future.

“It’s about living now and taking each game as it comes. I’m enjoying my football again and it’s just about scoring goals, getting your name out there and most importantly winning games.”

Che Adams is Southampton's second top goalscorer this season (Image: Stuart Martin)

Stuart Armstrong

Another Scottish international heading into the final six months of his Southampton contract is Stuart Armstrong.

The 31 year old has been a key player under Russell Martin, who has emphasised how big of a role he can play for Saints as they look to get back to the Premier League.

Speaking to the Daily Echo in November, Armstrong discussed how much he is enjoying playing under Martin - his former Scotland teammate.

He said: "We play in a nice way and I love to play in this style. We dominate the ball and everyone has a good understanding of what is expected of them.

"There is a good atmosphere around the place, the manager has got us feeling good so I am happy to be a part of it. 

"It's been so disappointing, last season was horrific for the fans to watch how we deteriorated and it was very tough being involved in that as well."

Armstrong has scored three goals and provided one assist in his 25 league appearances so far this season.

Stuart Armstrong has been involved in every game so far this season. (Image: Stuart Martin)

Alex McCarthy

Alex McCarthy, 34, has been at Southampton since 2016, when he joined the club from Crystal Palace.

He has made 139 appearances in that time, however, only one of those has come this season.

His loan appearance came as Saints were dumped out of the League Cup in a 3-1 defeat to League Two Gillingham. 

McCarthy was tentatively linked to a move back to Palace in the summer but remained at St Mary's.

It would be a surprise if McCarthy’s deal was extended again given his lack of minutes and age.

Alex McCarthy has only featured once for Southampton this season. (Image: Stuart Martin)

Joe Lumley

Summer signing Joe Lumley is still waiting to make his debut for Southampton.

The 28 year old joined as a third-choice goalkeeper but has become the second-choice, ahead of McCarthy in recent weeks.

Out of the two goalkeepers, Lumley would appear to be the more likely to pen a new deal, given he is six years younger and likely on less money.

Joe Lumley is yet to make his Southampton debut (Image: Stuart Martin)