Southampton in new contract talks with Dusan Tadic as Schalke hover for the Serbian star
Only Arsenal ace Mesut Ozil and Spurs' Christian Eriksen had more Prem assists than the key Saints midfielder last season
SOUTHAMPTON will open contract talks with Dusan Tadic this week — to fend off interest from Schalke.
Tadic, 27, has two years left on his current deal but Saints are looking to tie him down long term.
The Serbian midfielder was joint-third in the Premier League assists chart last season with 12 — behind only Mesut Ozil and Christian Eriksen.
His agent Ian Anderson said: “As yet, no agreement about a new contract has been agreed or refused, but talks are scheduled for this week and we’ll see how that goes.
“I’m aware of speculation of possible interest in Dusan from elsewhere, but he is under contract and we’ll see what unfolds at Southampton.”
Everton have kept tabs on Tadic along with Schalke, who are looking at replacements in case Leroy Sane joins Manchester City.
Saints could land Solly March after the winger snubbed a new deal at Brighton in a bid to force the move.
England Under-21 star March was offered a bumper two-year contract at the Amex but has his heart set on St Mary’s.
Albion are still in negotiations with the 21-year-old and are ready to put a revised offer on the table.
Saints made March their top target for last January’s window, but a season-ending knee injury in December forced them to wait.
He is unlikely to be ready for the big kick-off next month but that has not cooled Saints’ interest.
West Ham and Stoke are also casting their eye over the £7.5million- rated wide man.
