Southampton boss puts Premier League clubs on high alert with spot-on claim | OneFootball

Simon Rusk believes Mateus Fernandes' Southampton quality hasn't gone unnoticed, and the player is sure to invite transfer interest from Premier League clubs this summer.

In case you missed it, all Southampton fans recently had a saw-it-coming moment with Gavin Bazunu's new injury, after moving on from the keeper days ago. But, going with the gut feeling, don't you think all Saints players must be called off, not just Bazunu for next season?

After all, still, in contention for the worst Top Flight side, it feels reasonable on the fans' part to demand a complete rebuild with all players seen out.

Still, and it's a big one, while all supporters might want every Saint's transfer, there's this one name no fan can see leaving off.

It must be easy to guess him, he is Southampton's lifeline, Mateus Fernandes.

But, we know the Saints, right? When they fall short on problems, they invent for themselves. Exactly, that's what caretaker boss Simon Rusk has done unknowingly.

This is because while praising Fernandes' season-long contributions, Rusk put their Premier League contemporaries on high alert to the midfielder's transfer situation.

Intending to highlight Mateus' Saint's importance, while speaking to the Daily Echo, Rusk went a little too much, saying: "It wouldn't surprise me if he's attracted interest. He's a very, very committed, energetic player with quality at 20 years old playing in the Premier League."

Simon Rusk's comment sure to turn Fernandes' retention job difficult

Though Rusk later tried cleaning a bit of his spill up, stressing for the midfielder to continue, the damage feels enough done.

Just imagine when Premier League favourites Liverpool didn't hesitate to clarify interest in Mateus' mid-season, what will this Simon Rusk comment see Southampton fans endure? Honestly, one can now expect any and every Top Flight English club to enter his transfer race.

To be fair, blaming Rusk entirely would be harsh as Fernandes has long looked like a future star. But now, Southampton might need a miracle to hold onto him.