There is a tendency for Saints fans to take a dislike to certain players and for some strange reason Gavin Bazunu seemed to fall into that category, but it seems his reputation is a lot better elsewhere and there are several clubs interested in buying him.

All I am going to say to Gavin Bazunu's critics in the Southampton fanbase, is that you can't be too bad a keeper if you were in a team that went 23 games or so unbeaten, especially since the defence included another player who attracted criticism in our promotion season of 2023/24, but has recently upped his own standing at St Mary's in Ryan Manning.

Bazunu played a part in our promotion season and also played a part in this one, being the keeper who kept goal for Tonda Eckert where he won 6 out of 7 in his first games as manager.

He deserves respect from Southampton fans for his contribution, he has always been professional in this time at the club, so does not deserve the churlish comments that I see on social media, Ok it hasn't worked out for him ultimately at St Mary's but his replacement is in place, thank him for his service and move on.

According to The Daily Echo one club who are interested in him are Derby County.

Derby, who finished eighth last campaign, are understood to be preparing for the possible departure of Sweden international Jacob Widell Zetterstrom and Bazunu is one of the options they are considering.

Another Championship club who are said to be linked are our local rivals Portsmouth, although that link has gone quiet in recent weeks, whether their fanbase would be prepared to welcome back the keeper, who had a great season for them on loan before joining Saints is another matter, would they forgive the treacherous crime of joining the Scummers.

Perhaps Bazunu need not worry on that account, after all they soon welcomed Harry Redknapp back into the fold.

With Daniel Peretz signed it is highly unlikely that Gavin Bazunu will stay this season, but it seems that he will not be short of suitors.

All Photos Via Reuters