Southampton manager Russell Martin is demanding total commitment from his squad despite Premier League transfer interest.
It is a new dawn for the Saints as they prepare for their first season in the second tier in over a decade after a miserable campaign in the top-flight last time out.
Former MK Dons and Swansea boss Martin has been appointed as a full-time replacement for Nathan Jones as the club target an immediate return.
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A number of players on the south coast are attracting interest, particularly midfielders Romeo Lavia and James Ward-Prowse, as well as defender Tino Livramento.
Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs keen on Lavia while West Ham have considered a move for Ward-Prowse as they bid to replace Arsenal-bound Declan Rice.
Livramento, meanwhile, has been the subject of a bid from Newcastle and is also of interest to former club Chelsea.
The Blues have an option to re-sign the 20-year-old for around £38m, though that is considered well above his market value.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Martin said: “I’ve been really honest in the individual chats we’ve had, even the ones who think they’ll end up back playing in the Premier League and want to, and there’s interest for them, as long as they give it all they’ve got while they’re here, they owe that to the club after last season in particular.”
