According to recent reports, Southampton now face a huge battle to keep hold of Saints centre-back, Jannik Vestergaard, this summer, after Tottenham Hotspur stepped up their interest in the St. Mary's man.

The report by The Express claims that, with Spurs being concerned that Inter Milan will no longer be willing to part with Jose Mourinho's long-term centre-back target, Milan Skriniar, this summer, the north London side have now fast-tracked a move for Vestergaard.

The Express continue by stating that if Tottenham wish to pry the Denmark international away from Ralph Hasenhuttl's side this summer, then Daniel Levy will have to stump up a figure of around £18 million in order to get the deal done.

Transfer Tavern Take

Tottenham's increasing interest in Vestergaard is likely to come as something of a blow to Hasenhuttl, as the 28-year-old has been a crucial part of his Southampton backline so far this season, with the defender scoring three goals, as well as making an average of 1.6 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 4.3 clearances per match, culminating in an average WhoScored match rating of 7.09 - ranking him as Saints' second-best performer in the top flight.

However, considering the Denmark international's contract is due to expire in the summer of next year, perhaps it would not be the worst idea in the world for Southampton to cash in on Vestergaard at the end of the current season, thus minimising the risk of losing a player Hasenhuttl himself has dubbed as a "role model" for nothing at the end of his contract.

In other news: This £70k-p/w Southampton star may not be at St Mary's next season as news emerges; it's not Ings - find out more here!