Charlie Austin has been told he can leave Southampton as Danny Ings predicts big things for Southampton next season as revolution takes shape .
The 29-year-old striker has played only 246 minutes of Premier League football this year after turning down a move to the Championship in January.
Hasenhuttl, whose side travel to Watford on Tuesday, said: “Charlie is very clear on the situation that in the summer he must find another option where he plays more often.
“It depends how much he wants to play.
“That’s a situation you can handle for a few months or even a year but not for five years because you are not born as a footballer to sit on the bench and not play.
Danny Ings predicts big things for Southampton next season as revolution takes shape
“If he comes to me and says, ‘Manager it was very nice to help you, it was very nice to be successful with your team, but I want to play more minutes and that’s why I want to leave.’ I’m the last guy who says you cannot.
“For every situation we find a solution and hopefully the best for the team and for him.”
Other Saints players facing the axe in Hasenhuttl’s clear-out include defender Jack Stephens and goalkeeper Fraser Forster as well as Cedric Soares, Wesley Hoedt and Jody Clasie, who are all out on loan.
Saints can move closer to safety with a win at Vicarage Road but Hasenhuttl is not taking FA Cup finalists Watford lightly.
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The Austrian said: “They are one of the best teams in the Premier League so far this season, so we know it is very difficult to get points there.
“But, as always, I think if we make a good game and we have a good day then we are able to beat every team in this league.
“They are very flexible and also with good individual quality, which is combined with a lot of self-confidence because of this great season they have played so far.
“They will be a really tough opponent.”
Midfielder Mario Lemina is pressing for a starting spot after making his comeback from almost four months out with an abdominal injury in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Newcastle .
