Southampton have a number of key players who have played a part in their push for promotion from the Championship.
One of those who comes into that equation, is right-back Kyle Walker-Peters.
The right-back first moved to St Mary’s on loan from Tottenham in January 2020. That move was then made permanent eight months later.
Since then, Walker-Peters has made almost 150 appearances in all competitions for Southampton.
Now however, it seems as though the 26-year-old is a player Tottenham may need to bring back to North London, for seemingly unexpected reasons.
UEFA rules could force Tottenham into transfer move
It has previously been reported that Tottenham have included a buyback clause in the deal that took Walker-Peters to Southampton.
That could see the Premier League side re-sign the full-back, for a fee of around £30million. Now, that may be something they are forced to do in the summer.
With Ange Postecoglu’s side chasing a place in European football for next season, UEFA rules could force them to move for Walker-Peters.
According to a report from The Daily Express, those regulations state that club competing in European competitions, must have at least four club-trained players in their squad.
However, Tottenham currently have just three of those in their side – Oliver Skipp, Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman.
Given Walker-Peters did come through the youth ranks with Spurs, bringing him back to North London from Southampton would give them that fourth club trained player they need for their squad.
As a result, it is suggested that Tottenham may be forced to move for the right-back once the window opens in the summer.
Kyle Walker-Peters claims worrying for Southampton
It is hard not to feel as though this will be worrying for those of a Southampton persuasion.
There has always been the chance that Tottenham could re-sign Walker-Peters, given the presence of that buyback clause in his deal.
However, if they were to qualify for Europe ths season, the need for club trained players would give Spurs a genuine reason to make that move.
If that was to happen, it would be a major blow for Southampton to lose such a quality player, who has been so important to what they are doing.
Indeed, it would be particularly tough for the Saints to take if Tottenham signed the right-back to fill that quota, but did not actually use him on the pitch.
With that in mind, Southampton fans may well be hoping for a poor end to the season for Spurs in the race for European football.