SAINTS are set to ward off interest from Tottenham and Liverpool by offering Shane Long a bumper new contract, according to reports.
The striker netted 10 Premier League goals this season, a personal best which has reportedly won the admiration of Jurgen Klopp and former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino.
The Spurs manager watched Long score in the Republic of Ireland's 1-1 draw with Holland last week and was pictured at the match alongside the striker's agent, Pat Dolan.
(Brian Lawless/PA wire)
Now Saints are hoping the Irishman will follow Virgil van Dijk, Fraser Forster and James-Ward Prowse in signing a new deal, according to The Mirror.
Club bosses want to secure the core of the squad as they negotiate a new deal with manager Ronald Koeman.
Koeman’s advisers will hold talks with director of football Les Reed this week, the paper reports.
Tying down stars like Long is seen as key to persuading the Dutch manager to commit.
It makes the Irish frontman the eighth Southampton star to attract interest from Liverpool in the last three years, with Sadio Mane also on the radar at Anfield.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel