Saints could offer Fraser Forster a bumper new contract in a bid to ward off interest from other clubs.

Manager Ronald Koeman admitted there is interest in some of his star players from big clubs planning for the summer transfer window, with Forster having been linked with sides both in this country and overseas.

The big goalkeeper has returned after a ten month injury lay-off in scintillating form, which has had a huge impact for Saints and all but guaranteed him a place in the England squad for Euro 2016.

Forster is approaching the halfway mark of the four-year deal he penned when signing from Celtic for £10m, and Koeman confessed for the first time that the club could soon table an extension to try and keep him at St Mary’s.

“That's a possibility yes,” he confirmed.

“For sure there is more interest in other players as well for Southampton players.

“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.”

The last two summers have both seen big names sold, with the club performing a brilliant rebuilding job on both occasions.

It could be more of the same again this summer, with Graziano Pelle and Victor Wanyama entering the final year of their deals, and the likes of Sadio Mane and Forster much coveted.

However, Koeman is hopeful that there won’t be a huge turnover of 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.”