Southampton ‘remain a selling club’ despite their recent takeover by Serbian-born businessman Dragan Solak, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

The Saints have historically sold their best players to their more affluent rivals before giving young promising talent an opportunity to shine, and it doesn’t seem as though that approach is going to change just yet.

What is the latest news involving Southampton?

Since their return to the Premier League at the beginning of 2012/13, a host of top talents have departed Southampton for some of the biggest clubs in England.

The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana joined Liverpool, while Luke Shaw and Morgan Schneiderlin exited St. Mary’s for Manchester United.  

Calum Chambers was also picked up by Arsenal, and their north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur prised midfielders Victor Wanyama and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg away from the Saints as well.

However, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s charges have often successfully replaced their outgoing stars with youngsters who are full of potential.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Mohammed Salisu and Tino Livramento are some of the most recent additions to excite the Southampton faithful as their business model of buying cheap youngsters before developing them and selling them on for a healthy profit continues to excel.

What has Barclay said about Southampton?

Solak, founder of United Group, has acquired an 80 per cent stake in Southamptton, bringing an end to the majority ownership of Chinese businessman Gao Jisheng.

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However, the change in ownership failed to bring in any new acquisitions during the January transfer window, and Barclay doesn’t believe that they will change their approach in the market.

He told GiveMeSport: “Despite the takeover, they remain a selling club if the right offers come in. And they remain a club that looks to try and improve young players and make them better.”

Who could leave Southampton in the summer?

According to 90min, one of Solak’s first tasks following his takeover on 5 January was to ‘approve or block’ Salisu’s move to Newcastle United.

It’s claimed that talks had progressed over a potential £40 million switch to St. James’ Park, but the 22-year-old was deemed to be a big part of Southampton’s future plans.

Meanwhile, Football Insider have stated that Livramento is a ‘leading target’ for Spurs as Antonio Conte aims to solve his right wing-back conundrum.

It remains to be seen how long Southampton can keep hold of their current crop of youthful hopefuls, although it surely won’t be long until potential suitors come calling once again.