TECHNICAL director Johannes Spors is looking into extending Saints contracts but declined to answer directly about Kyle Walker-Peters.

Two-time England international Walker-Peters is in the final months of his deal at St Mary's and is expected to depart on a free transfer.

The 27 year old has previously been offered a new deal, and it was reported in January that Saints would make a final attempt to extend this stay.

However, no agreement has been reached, leaving Walker-Peters already free to speak with other clubs abroad about a possible move.

Veteran midfielder Adam Lallana and goalkeeper Joe Lumley are also in the final months of their deal and could depart the club this summer.

"I'm looking into these contracts now, of course. It's not so many players that are really running out of contracts this year or next year," said Spors.

"Contract management, in general, is an important part. You have to find the right moment and also show appreciation and respect. That's a vital part.

"I don't want to speak too much about what we are doing there really," he added when asked directly about Walker-Peters.

Kyle Walker-Peters is likely to leave Southampton on a free transfer this summer Kyle Walker-Peters is likely to leave Southampton on a free transfer this summer (Image: PA)

"In general, honestly, I try to speak to literally everybody at the moment. But it's more like an introduction. Then we see what we are doing as a next step."

Scotland internationals Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong both left Southampton on a free at the end of their contracts ahead of this season.

Saints have made attempts to extend starlet Tyler Dibling's contract beyond its current length until 2026, with an option to extend for an additional year.

Former boss Russell Martin voiced frustration that contract talks had stalled and took aim at his agents, suggesting the 19 year old himself was keen to stay.

Southampton are in a strong position to demand a sizable fee for Dibling this summer, however, Spors admitted building a relationship with the teenager's camp is important.

"At the moment, I see Tyler Dibling as a great success story for this club. It's a great result of a combination of academy work and first teamwork," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"They put him in the right moments, and it's exciting to see him on the pitch. He is still young and still has a lot of potential. He has areas where he can be better.

"It's a good situation for us to have a player like him in our club, and everything else in the future will show honestly. In the end, we always have the same goal.

"It's all about development. Development, in general, is a headline for this football club because it's possible and needed. Dibling is a good example of that, a role model for other young players.

"When you want to work on development, relationships are important. Relationships with his parents, agents and maybe family. That is a factor."