SAINTS boss Ralph Hasenhuttl admitted that there are “arguments” for Fraser Forster to be handed a new deal, but the Austrian remained coy on his goalkeeper’s future.

Forster appeared to be on the way out at Saints after spending the 2019/20 season on loan at former club Celtic.

The former Newcastle youngster returned to St Mary’s with a view of battling for the starting role with Alex McCarthy last campaign, playing just eight times in the league, whilst McCarthy reached 30 league appearances.

This campaign, injury to McCarthy eventually paved the way for Forster to return to the side, after overcoming an injury issue of his own.

A return to the starting XI has coincided with an uptick in form, with the 34-year-old recognised for his performances by being called up to the last England squad, albeit as a replacement for the injured Sam Johnstone.

Saints only have one senior keeper on the books for next season, with McCarthy signing a contract extension that still has not been announced by the club, yet confirmed by the FA financial reports surrounding payments to agents.

Forster and veteran shotstopper Willy Caballero are on expiring deals, whilst academy graduate Harry Lewis is also set to leave in the summer.

When asked if Forster’s performances meant that Saints were considering offering the goalkeeper a new deal, Hasenhuttl replied: “Absolutely.

“There are a lot of arguments for doing this, and I am sure we will find with him a very good solution for the future.

“As I said, I was very happy with he way he reacted when he got the chance to play.

“I think he absolutely grabbed the chance with all his effort. A very good argument for him, definitely.”

Since coming into the side at the end of December, Forster has kept three clean sheets in the Premier League in 15 appearances, including a man-of-the-match display against Arsenal on Saturday.