Stoke to suffer mass exodus this summer with Jack Butland and Badou Ndiaye set to leave if relegation confirmed
Paul Lambert's side are still fighting to avoid the drop but fear losing several key players in the summer if they drop down into the Championship
STOKE fear a mass exodus of their top players if they are relegated from the Premier League - with Jack Butland and Badou Ndiaye likely to head the list of those leaving.
Paul Lambert's side have still not given up hope of scrambling to survival this season and are now just three points adrift of Swansea in 17th.
But exiting the top flight would almost certainly see England keeper Butland, Wales star Joe Allen and Xherdan Shaqiri make swift departures elsewhere.
And Senegal star Ndiaye, who only joined the club in a £14million move in January, is another who will be on his way with a relegation clause entered into his contract.
The 27-year-old has made a good impact in his short time at the Bet365 Stadium and would have plenty of options available to him in England and abroad.
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Butland would be in demand by a a number of clubs having proven himself as one of the best young keepers in the top flight.
Arsenal and West Ham are among the sides who are on the lookout for a new man between the posts this summer, and the need to cover for lost income will make it hard for Stoke to hold out for a huge fee.
One player who has continued to impress despite Stoke's troubles over the current campaign is midfielder Allen.
West Ham failed with a bid to sign him in January and could revive their interest, while newly-promoted Wolves have now been linked with a £20m bid for him.
Should relegation rivals Southampton survive the drop at Stoke's expense, former boss Mark Hughes is interested in signing Swiss star Shaqiri for £20m.
Forward Maxim Choupo-Moting is another likely to leave as Stoke look to cut the wage bill to avoid hitting financial difficulties.
And it is expected Lambert will also let Charlie Adam, Stephen Ireland and Glen Johnson leave the club as he tries to build a fresher squad capable of competing.