Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has explained delays over new contract talks for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Hasenhuttl believes both club and player are relaxed about the situation and talks will become more serious once Premier League safety is in the bag.

Saints' boss said: “No news on this because there's no speaking of any contracts before we have 36 points.

“It was a good decision to do this because the main thing is playing better and investing more. The rest will come.

“He enjoys playing in the team at the moment, he sees we're in a good way and as a captain, he's responsible also.

“An important message for him also is that he sees we're going in a clear direction as a club which is important for him."

Hojbjerg has less than 18 months to run on his current deal.