Journalist Tom Barclay believes that Fraser Forster could remain a Southampton player beyond this season providing he continues performing.

The £70,000-per-week goalkeeper is out of contract at the end of the season and was on course to leave the South Coast club before recently coming into the side once again.

What's the latest news involving Forster?

Injuries usually give the chance for others to step up, and that's firmly been the case for Forster. Heading into the Christmas period, the England shotstopper hadn't made a single Premier League appearance this season and was behind Alex McCarthy in the pecking order.

But an injury to McCarthy sustained in early December has allowed Forster to come back from a seemingly lost cause and show Ralph Hasenhuttl what he's capable of. In his eight league appearances this season, Southampton have lost just once: winning at West Ham and Tottenham, while securing impressive draws with both Manchester clubs.

Furthermore, the 33-year-old recorded his first clean sheet back in the side in Saints' 2-0 victory over Everton last weekend.

McCarthy, who's also set to become a free agent in the summer, recently suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury, which should allow Forster to remain in control of the gloves for the remainder of the season.

Barclay evens thinks that Southampton could make a complete u-turn and extend Forster's stay at the club into next season and beyond.

What did Barclay say about Forster?

When asked if he could now end up staying with the Saints, Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: "I wouldn't be shocked now if he can sustain it, if there was a conversation. I'm told that could happen if he continues putting in his performances. He would have to take a wage drop, I'm not sure what he's on, but I'm pretty sure it's high."

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Should Southampton keep Forster?

Forster has been prone to making mistakes over the years, but if he continues performing at his current level, there's absolutely no reason for Southampton not to offer him a new contract.

He was particularly impressive against both City and United, making four and six saves respectively to help Hasenhuttl's side secure 1-1 draws in each.

Therefore, as Barclay alluded to, if Forster continues at his current rate and doesn't make any clusters of mistakes before the season finishes, then keeping him around is surely a no-brainer.