Southampton have relied on the class of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg since his arrival in English football back in 2016.  

The midfielder has grown in the Southampton side and passed 100 Premier League appearances for the Saints.

As you might expect, his form hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Sky Sports reporting that Tottenham held an interest in the 24-year-old back in the January transfer window.

In response, Southampton were determined to keep hold of their skipper and did, but what happens in the next transfer window? Do things become harder for the South Coast club?

Here, we look at the possibility of Højbjerg leaving, identifying EIGHT realistic options Saints could turn to as a replacement…

Pearson currently features for Preston North End’s midfield, with the 25-year-old one of the Championship’s most impressive performers in his field.

He looks ready for the step up into the Premier League, whether that’s with or without play-off hopefuls Preston.

Hrosovsky is an impressive candidate to replace Højbjerg in the Southampton midfield, with the 28-year-old having top-flight and Champions League experience with Genk.

Additionally, the midfielder is a full international, which only adds to his pedigree.

Southampton could look at one side seemingly destined for relegation, Aston Villa.

A midfield trio of Jack Grealish, John McGinn and Conor Hourihane guided Dean Smith’s side into the Premier League, with that trio adapting reasonably well individually.

Grealish and McGinn might be out of the question, but Hourihane is a realistic option for Southampton.

Another player in the middle of a relegation battle is Phillip Billing with AFC Bournemouth.

If the Cherries slip out of the Premier League, the powerful midfielder could well be a great option for Saints.

Phillips is the Championship’s outstanding midfielder, with the dynamic Leeds man destined for the top.

If Leeds win promotion, Southampton have no chance, but if Phillips is on the move, they might get involved in the conversation about signing him.

Yet, who they meet at that table could blow them out of the water.

Looking back into Europe, Ronaldo Vieira is an emerging midfielder with real pedigree.

Formerly of Leeds, Vieira is now with Sampdoria in Serie A, where he’s making a strong impact.

A move into the Premier League feels inevitable eventually.

McLean is part of the Norwich City squad crashing back into the Championship, but he’s someone who could be a good option for Southampton.

He’s made 28 appearances for Norwich in the Premier League this season, scoring once and assisting another.

Finally, we take a look at a teammate of Billing – Lewis Cook.

If Bournemouth go down, they are at risk of losing some seriously talented players, such as Cook.

He’s had his injury troubles, but the midfielder has all the ability to really thrive in the Premier League if he gets a run of games.

Southampton could offer him that chance.