Southampton are undecided on whether or not they will hold onto Mason Holgate.
The Everton defender was sent out on loan to the Saints at the start of this season.
However, he has been a backup for the club, rather than a regular starter as expected.
"He is out of the team because the other guys have played well and that is frustrating for him," manager Russell Martin told the Daily Echo.
"I can't sit here and say he is definitely staying.
"Would we want him to stay? Yes. He is a great teammate, he's got a great energy around the place and he's been good on the pitch the last few times.
"However, I also understand that he probably wants to play more minutes and for Everton, it is probably frustrating as well.
"I am sure there will be conversations between Jason [Wilcox], Everton, and maybe Mason's agent at some point."
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