Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl says "we'll see what happens in the summer" over Everton target Pierre-Emile Hojibjerg.
The Blues are in talks with Southampton over signing the 24-year-old midfielder but face competition from Tottenham Hotspur for his services.
Southampton, the ECHO understands, are keen on a player exchange as part of any deal for Hojbjerg.
Spurs have loaned the Saints full-back Kyle Walker-Peters this season and he could be used as a makeweight in a deal to take Hojbjerg to London.
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But Everton, with Carlo Ancelotti keen on the player, have opened dialogue with Southampton over the Danish international and Southampton are believed to have shown an interest in some of the Blues' squad.
Hasenhuttl told Hampshire Live: "I cannot confirm anything because I don’t want to comment on speculation or rumours.
"Generally he is our player, he has one more year on his contract, he doesn’t want to extend his contract and we will see what will happen in the summer. It is not perfect for a player to go into the last months of his contract."
Asked if he was hopeful of keeping Hojbjerg, he said: "We’re hopeful of finding a solution that’s for the best."
