Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has admitted he is uncertain over the future of young forward Michael Obafemi.

Obafemi had a breakthrough Premier League campaign in the 2019/20 season but injury limited his performance last term as he made just league appearances for the Saints.

With Danny Ings being replaced by not one but two strikers – both ahead of Obafemi in the pecking order – it could see his gametime further reduced, despite an active pre-season campaign with Saints.

The youngster has only one year left on his current Saints contract, adding
further complications and uncertainty surrounding his future.

Speaking ahead of the 21/22 season opener against Everton, Hasenhuttl: “The latest with Obafemi is that he is our player and he is a young player with potential.

“So far, he has had a few good games in the Premier League but has never has a really consistent season. We have a lot of alternatives in his position and this does not make it any easier for him to play.”

He reiterated: “We need every player this season. If he stays he must fight hard for his position.

“We want him to be in and around the group but if we see that he is not in the race for starting then we will have to discuss what is the best thing for him.

“I don’t want to make the mistake of letting players go. I don’t want to let any players go if we think that we have got a use for them.”