Genk manager Hannes Wolf says he is convinced reported Southampton and Burnley target Joakim Maehle will still be at the club beyond this summer, HLN report.
The Denmark international fullback has been heavily linked with an exit.
According to Ekstra Bladet, Crystal Palace and Southampton are keen on him. Moreover, Maehle told the Danish editorial the latter made a January bid for him.
The latest reports from The Sun (7 June, page 61) claims Burnley are set to bid £10 million for the fullback as the Clarets seek a replacement for Phil Bardsley.
But Hannes Wolf is confident his side can retain their latest prized asset.
“At the moment I am convinced that he (Joakim Maehle) will stay. Right now I say, because there are only a few coaches in the world who can say with certainty that their best players will not leave. In any case, we intend to keep everyone. We don’t have to sell and we don’t want to sell. Our team is under construction,” Wolf explained.
Genk raised funds in January by selling Mbwana Samatta to Aston Villa and Sander Berge to fellow Premier League side Sheffield United.
Is Maehle next on the list to move over to the Premier League?
The 22-year-old helped Genk win the Belgian title in 2018-19. He produced 14 goals and assists that campaign which saw the club qualify for the Champions League.
Maehle could offer Burnley a different, more attacking approach to Matt Lowton.
Bardley’s contract at Turf Moor is expiring and the Dane would be a suitable replacement.
Maehle, however, could still harbour hopes of joining Southampton. He told Ekstra Bladet in April how he still feels he could join the Saints after their failed January bid.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
