Southampton have entered negotiations with players they are looking to keep at St Mary's beyond the end of their existing contracts this month, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

A host of Saints stars are nearing the end of their respective deals, but it appears boss Ralph Hasenhuttl could look to extend their stay on the south coast.

Who is nearing the end of their Southampton contract?

As it stands, Jack Stephens, Shane Long, Alex McCarthy, Fraser Forster, Willy Caballero and Harry Lewis' contracts will expire on June 30.

It was reported by The Athletic in September 2020 that Stephens had penned a new long-term deal, but that appears not to have been the case.

Forster, who has started each of Southampton's last 14 Premier League fixtures, is the club's second-highest earner thanks to raking in £70,000-per-week.

Theo Walcott, who is top of Saints' payroll, could also leave in the summer as he nears the end of his current agreement.

Walcott, along with fellow wingers Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Redmond, will see his £75,000-per-week deal expire in the summer of 2023 and Southampton are reportedly open to offers for the trio.

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What has Tom Barclay said about the situation?

Barclay understands Southampton had already pinpointed April as the perfect time to open contract discussions with those nearing the end of their agreements.

The journalist believes those whose deals are due to expire in the summer of 2023 will also head to the negotiating table before the final month of the campaign.

Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: "I'm told April was when they would start looking at new deals, whether it be the guys who are out of contract in the summer or in a year's time. I guess we'll wait and see."

Who is likely to be offered a new deal?

McCarthy has previously expressed his desire to extend his stay at St Mary's and has suggested he will hold talks 'when the right time comes'.

Meanwhile, Hasenhuttl has hinted that Caballero - who won the Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League during his time on the books of Chelsea and Manchester City - could stay at Southampton beyond the end of the season.

The goalkeeper joined Saints on a short-term deal last December, but the agreement was extended until the summer a month later.

Former Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer has previously told GIVEMESPORT that Forster could be in line for a new deal following his return between the sticks.