Former Southampton executive chairman Nicola Cortese says everything must be done to keep the squad together.
Cortese had enquiries but no formal offers for Southampton's talented aces while in charge, but the squad could unravel this summer.
"We created those talents," Cortese told BBC Sport.
"It was key to keep them. You don't produce them just to sell - otherwise you give away your ambition.
"I knew the players themselves wanted to stick together because this vision was something they believed in, too. I didn't see any reason for them to go."
