Southampton FC in line for handsome cash windfall despite Spygate nightmare | OneFootball

Southampton are set to make a handsome sell-on profit if West Ham United sell Mateus Fernandes

Southampton have been under major scrutiny this week, having been kicked out of the Championship play-offs.

The Saints were found guilty of spying on a Middlesbrough training session ahead of their play-off semi-final first leg, and have consequently been replaced by the North East club in the final, despite winning the on-field battle.

Southampton also admitted to spying on Oxford United and Ipswich Town in the regular season, and have been deducted four points ahead of next term.

The 'Spygate' debacle has left Saints players considering their futures, while the South Coast outfit's off-field antics have cost them a chance of competing for a spot in next season's Premier League.

Middlesbrough are set to face Hull City in Saturday's play-off final, as the Tigers got the better of Millwall in their semi-final.

Southampton set for windfall as Manchester United and Arsenal join high-profile transfer race

Southampton enjoyed resurgent form throughout the second half of the Championship campaign, but their players' efforts have been in vain thanks to the spying scandal.

Meanwhile, according to German outlet Bild, Saints midfielder Caspar Jander wants to leave now that his club can't win promotion to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old, who is a former Germany Under-21 international, made 36 Championship appearances for Tonda Eckert's side this term, notching two goals and one assist in the process.

More Southampton players are likely to follow Jander out the door, following the spying charges and their serious ramifications.

Meanwhile, according to TEAMtalk, former Saints midfielder Mateus Fernandes, now of West Ham United, has been eyed by Premier League giants Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal, with the Red Devils leading the race.

West Ham will avoid relegation to the Championship if they beat Leeds United on Sunday and Tottenham Hotspur lose to Everton.

TEAMtalk's report added that if the Hammers remain in the Premier League, Fernandes will cost £80million for suitors such as Man United.

The report also said that if West Ham fail to avoid relegation, the 21-year-old could be available for between £40m and £50m.

Fernandes has been a shining light for an otherwise poor Hammers outfit, notching three goals and three assists in 35 Premier League appearances.

As per The Athletic, Southampton have a 15% sell-on clause for Fernandes, which would give them a very healthy windfall if he leaves the London Stadium for as much as £80m.

The Saints are set for a very difficult summer amid the 'Spygate' fallout, but the windfall for the West Ham ace certainly spells good news for the Hampshire outfit.

Mateus Fernandes should be wary of potential lack of game time

However, joining one of Man United, Arsenal, Man City, or Chelsea may be non-ideal for the 21-year-old at this stage of his development.

The former Saints ace has made 34 Premier League starts for West Ham this term, whereas he wouldn't get that sort of game time for one of the aforementioned giants.

However, Fernandes' future isn't Southampton's concern anymore, beyond the handsome windfall they could receive this summer.