Southampton's precarious financial position could see midfielder Andrew Surman being offloaded in the January transfer window. And Stoke are now being linked with England Under-21 international.

Surman admits he would love to play top-flight football with Southampton but is also realistic enough to know he may have to leave in order to fulfill his potential.

Surman told the Daily Mail: "I'd like to see the group stay together but the financial situation might not let that happen.

"I'd be delighted to play in the Premier League with Southampton but, if it means one day moving on, then that's what I'll have to do."