Southampton must now target Hojbjerg talks amid Spurs, Arsenal links

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Before the suspension of the Premier League season, Southampton appeared to have a reasonable plan in place as they looked to tie Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg down to a new contract amid reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

The Daily Echo reported earlier this month that Saints planned to initiate discussions with Hojbjerg once Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men had done enough to all but ensure that they would remain in the Premier League next season.

It is particularly important for Southampton to get Hojbjerg to pen fresh terms. His current deal expires next summer, and Sky Sports reported in January that both Spurs and the Gunners were eyeing a bid for the club captain in the summer.

Since the Daily Echo’s report, Southampton have lost to Newcastle. But they remain in a good position right now, seven points clear of the bottom three with nine games remaining.

They have also three teams between them and the relegation zone. So it is going to take something incredibly surprising for Hasenhuttl’s men to be dragged back into the battle.

With that in mind, Southampton would surely be wise to change their plans and attempt to resolve Hojbjerg’s future during the current break if they get the chance.

A shorter summer window may perhaps be on the cards. And if that proves to be the case, the Saints may be more vulnerable to making a rash decision with Hojbjerg heading into the final year of his deal and the likes of Spurs and Arsenal potentially circling.

Southampton should use this break to try and find out more about the likelihood of Hojbjerg signing a new deal. He, of course, may currently have more time to consider his future before the season’s conclusion.

If he then makes it clear that he is seriously considering not signing a new contract, then the Saints can head into the summer well aware that they probably need to consider offers.

But with Southampton within touching distance of doing enough to be safe, they can surely hold out some hope that he will snub the links with Spurs and Arsenal and commit his future to St Mary’s ahead of the summer.