According to the Daily Star (28/03, p45), Southampton now believe they will convince Ryan Bertrand to stay at the club.
It’s claimed that boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is ‘desperate’ to keep hold of Bertrand, and the Saints board have responded by offering new terms to Bertrand.
There is now ‘growing confidence’ that Bertrand will now sign a new deal that could see him finish his career with Southampton.
At 31, this is a key contract for Bertrand; it’s possibly the last chance to earn a big deal elsewhere as he prepares to become a free agent.
The main suitor so far has been Arsenal; Goal reported in January that the Gunners were looking into a late deal to lure Bertrand to North London as cover for Kieran Tierney.
That position wasn’t filled, so Arsenal may yet return with a new move for the former Chelsea man come this summer.
Heading back to London could be appealing for the ex-Chelsea man, but he will know that he is likely to just play as second-fiddle at Arsenal with Tierney the undoubted starter.
That makes staying at Southampton and being first-choice there all the more appealing, and the Saints will hope to hit a breakthrough soon.
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