Southampton must act now to avoid contract standoffs repeat

"There's no way Che should have been in the last year of his contract," he insisted, adding, "I don't blame anyone at the club currently."

The situation has taken power out of the club's hands, with the 16-goal striker now free to discuss terms of a free transfer.

Wolves are sniffing around the Scotland international, who was offered a refreshed deal last summer but has failed to sign it.

Che Adams - out of contract this summer - and best pal Adam Armstrong (Image: PA)

Midfielder Stuart Armstrong and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy also face uncertain futures with their contracts expiring this month. 

Martin is going to face the very same problem with four more key players this time next year unless they can find a resolution.

Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens, Adam Armstrong and Kyle Walker-Peters are all on contracts that - as detailed by the club - expire in June 2025.

Unless any have already signed a secret extension yet to be announced by Saints, other clubs will be free to approach them next year.

The situation has already seen the rumour mill begin to turn, with key defender Bednarek being linked with a potential move away. 

Polish media report that the 28 year old had an offer from French Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennais back in the January window.

Jan Bednarek only missed two Championship matches for Saints (Image: PA)

Meanwhile, Armstrong's contract might sound like a straightforward deal to negotiate - but he has suitors elsewhere.

Martin revealed on Sky Sports at Wembley that he expected the former Newcastle United man to leave the club last summer before the season.

Club captain Stephens will want assurances on his future and should find them while Walker-Peters could be sold next month.

Martin has already admitted it would be hard to keep Walker-Peters regardless of what happened in the Championship campaign.

Unless he agrees to sign a new contract, the club might opt to cash in on a player worth around £20million now and nothing in 12 months.

Skipper Stephens started a, 'One more year, one more year, Walker-Peters,' chant at the promotion party - perhaps inadvertently insightful.

Kyle Walker-Peters was named in the Championship team of the season (Image: PA)

However, Saints must act now to keep any or all of the four regular starters and the club hope new deals can be confirmed.

If any of the four do not want to extend their St Mary's stay, the club have to then make a business decision on their value.

Could they be sold for a sum that improves their chances of survival or will they be useful to the cause regardless of a free exit?

One difficult aspect for Saints to manage is the wage expectations now the club are back in the Premier League.

Players will want a lucrative package to renew despite there being no guarantee of a lengthy Premier League stay.

The risk of this is traversed - and has been with Saints previously - by wage reduction clauses in the event of relegation.

In any case, if Martin's public criticism is anything to go by, we should expect some contract developments before the season gets underway.