GOALKEEPER Fraser Forster is the "preferred candidate" for Tottenham Hotspur, according to a report by The Athletic.

Forster's contract at Saints is set to expire this summer, making him available as a free agent.

Following an injury to Alex McCarthy in December, the 34-year-old was given an extended run in the side and produced a string of fine displays.

However, he has not been rewarded with a new contract at Saints and appears to have played his final game for the club.

Forster is unavailable for tomorrow's Premier League finale at Leicester City due to a back injury.

The Athletic reports the former Celtic man "said goodbye to his teammates on Thursday" ahead of his exit this summer.

Spurs are said to be seeking a new goalkeeper to provide backup to captain Hugo Lloris.

The club are reportedly keen to sign a homegrown option, to replace current number two Pierluigi Gollini.

Forster has played 162 times for Saints since joining in 2014, spending time away on loan at Celtic during that spell.

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