‘Understand...’ - Journalist now leaks talks from inside Southampton, club 'confident'

Southampton are now undergoing contract discussions with Kegs Chauke and are ‘confident’ a new deal can be struck, claims journalist Alfie House.

The 19-year-old academy graduate broke into the Saints first-team last season, having made the bench on ten occasions and being awarded his full debut in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury.

However, the central midfielder has made the bench in the Premier League just once this season, sparking worry about his future, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the campaign.

As a result, Manchester City had expressed their interest in signing the youngster earlier this year.

Daily Echo journalist Alfie House has now shared the latest details on Chauke’s future with Southampton.

Taking to Twitter, he claimed: “Understand contract discussions between #SaintsFC and Kegs Chauke are ongoing.

“Hinges on assurances, including loan move next season. His current deal expires this summer.

“Was involved in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad a lot last campaign. Confidence that a deal can be struck.”

As per the Daily Echo, young players view Southampton as one of the best opportunities to play first-team football in the Premier League.

However, this has not been the case this season, with 17-year-old Thierry Small being the only academy youngster who has received any minutes.

As a result, it seems a loan move to the Championship is needed for Chauke, as a means of adjusting to senior football. Therefore, this should be crucial in his contract talks.

If he impresses, it is likely that he will be rewarded with minutes in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first-team down the line.

In other news: Southampton: Sasa Kalajdzic now on Saints’ radar

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