"I'm told" - Journalist drops major April behind-the-scenes Southampton claim

Southampton have entered negotiations with players they are looking to keep at St Mary’s beyond the end of their existing contracts this month, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

A host of Saints stars are nearing the end of their respective deals, but it appears boss Ralph Hasenhuttl could look to extend their stay on the south coast.

As it stands, Jack Stephens, Shane Long, Alex McCarthy, Fraser Forster, Willy Caballero and Harry Lewis’ contracts will expire on June 30.

It was reported by The Athletic in September 2020 that Stephens had penned a new long-term deal, but that appears not to have been the case.

Forster, who has started each of Southampton’s last 14 Premier League fixtures, is the club’s second-highest earner thanks to raking in £70,000-per-week.

Theo Walcott, who is top of Saints’ payroll, could also leave in the summer as he nears the end of his current agreement.

Walcott, along with fellow wingers Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Redmond, will see his £75,000-per-week deal expire in the summer of 2023 and Southampton are reportedly open to offers for the trio.

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Barclay understands Southampton had already pinpointed April as the perfect time to open contract discussions with those nearing the end of their agreements.

The journalist believes those whose deals are due to expire in the summer of 2023 will also head to the negotiating table before the final month of the campaign.

Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m told April was when they would start looking at new deals, whether it be the guys who are out of contract in the summer or in a year’s time. I guess we’ll wait and see.”

McCarthy has previously expressed his desire to extend his