Southampton are set to open contract talks with goalkeeper Fraser Forster ‘around now’, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

The 34-year-old’s existing deal is set to expire in a few months’ time, but he’s expected to be rewarded by manager Ralph Hasenhuttl for a dramatic turnaround in form of late.

What is the latest news involving Forster?

Forster arrived at Southampton from Scottish giants Celtic via a £10 million deal back in 2014 and has gone on to make 155 appearances for the club, keeping 54 clean sheets along the way.

However, the 6 foot 7 giant lost his place in the starting XI halfway through the 2017/18 campaign after leaking 30 goals in his opening 20 Premier League appearances.

That resulted in Forster only making one top-flight outing in the following season as he fell further down the south coast club’s pecking order.

A season-long loan spell to former side Celtic occurred in August 2019, helping to revive the shot-stopper’s career after he played a starring role in their title success and advancement to the Europa League knockout stages.

Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS Man United are close to appointing Erik ten Hag! Find out more on The Football Terrace

Yet Forster has still had to remain patient before being rewarded with a consistent run in the Southampton side.

He failed to start over three consecutive league games in a row last term and had to wait until Boxing Day to make his first Premier League appearance this time around.

What has Barclay said about Forster?

Despite his struggles in recent years, Forster has now played 13 games in a row in all competitions, helping Southampton rise to 11^th place in the table.

And the towering keeper has seen his form rewarded with a recall to the England squad six years after he won the last of his six caps for the Three Lions.

Barclay has revealed that Forster’s form has made the Southampton hierarchy begin ‘to look at things’ regarding his future, with talks over a new contract set to start imminently.

He told GiveMeSport: “Last I checked a couple of weeks ago, they were starting to look at things in the next couple of weeks, so I guess (talks will begin) around now.”

Does Forster deserve a new contract?

Forster may have only kept two clean sheets in his 12 Premier League outings throughout 2021/22, but Southampton have won five games in that time, which is two more victories than they claimed in their previous 17 league games.

His command over the penalty box, sharp reflexes and concentration levels have helped Hasenhuttl’s charges transform their fortunes and move well away from the relegation zone.

Therefore, Forster will surely feel as though he deserves to be rewarded for his recent showings, and he could commit his future to Southampton as a result.