According to reports in the players native Norway, Saints have triggered the transfer clause for FC Groningen midfielder Johan Hove, although just how much that clause is, has not been revealed,
Johan Hove has been playing in the Eridivisie for FC Groningen only since the January transfer window, he was unable to save the Dutch club from relegation and that has prompted Southampton trigger a relegation clause in his contract according to sportwitness.co.uk.
Their article explains that when he joined he had a relegation clause inserted into the deal when he left Stromsgodset in Norway for Groningen for around £1 million.
This was considered a cheap price as the player would be able to leave on a free transfer in the summer.
"It is a sum that has been decided internally, but I do not want to comment on what it is,” Hove is quoted saying, also claiming that he doesn’t want to stay in the Netherlands following the relegation.
Sportwitness quote Norwegian outlet VG who say that from what they have learned, Johan Hove is on his way away from Groningen and close to a move to Southampton.
Hove is a central midfielder who can play either defensively or in a more attacking mode, he will turn 22 in September and although he has played 24 times for the Norwegian U21 squad has yet to win a full cap.
He is well rated in Norway and several clubs there are looking to try and bring him back to his home country.