The Southampton and England goalkeeper, Fraser Forster, is set to commit his future to the St Mary’s club, as the Saints look to tie their stopper down to a long-term deal, in an attempt to ward off potential suitors.
Forster has returned to the Southampton first-team in emphatic fashion, having spent a prolonged spell of ten months out injured – and his form since making his long-awaited comeback has helped him pretty much guarantee a place in Roy Hodgson’s travelling party to France for the European Championships, later this summer.
The 28-year-old Hexham-native, who is halfway through his four-year deal, which he signed from Celtic for £10m in 2014, has attracted interest elsewhere, from top-tier sides at home, and abroad.
His manager, Ronald Koeman, admitted that there is interest in some of his key assets on the south coast, and that a deal could be offered to Forster in the coming weeks.
Speaking on the topic, the Dutchman said: “That’s a possibility, yes.
“For sure there is more interest in other players as well.
“We know the players are doing well, they are improving and of course big teams looking to other teams with interest what they will have for players.”
“We try (to keep the squad together) but we know our situation and we know we can’t win against the big teams with a lot of money.
“That’s a good thing our players have ambition.
“Everybody wants to play at the highest level.
“But we will do everything we can to keep the players in.”
Southampton host relegation-threatened Newcastle United at home on Saturday afternoon. The Saints are currently seventh in the Premier League, after attaining 47 points from their 32 matches.
