Southampton want to keep hold of QPR star Steven Caulker

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has no intention of allowing Steven Caulker to return to QPR this winter.

The 24-year-old is on a season-long loan at St Mary’s but has only made one Premier League start for the south coast club as Dutchman Virgil van Dijk has been the preferred option.

Reports last night claimed Koeman was ready to cut the deal short and allow the England defender to return to Loftus Road in January.

Rumblings now suggest Sunderland have sounded out the Hoops about a possible swoop for the centre-half in a bid to stave off relegation to the Championship.

But Koeman has today confirmed he wants Caulker, who cost Rangers £8million last year, to stick around for the rest of the season.

"My plan is for him to stay for the full season and then we will see," the Southampton manager told a press conference.

Caulker will be hoping for another Saints run-out this weekend when Koeman’s side travel to Norwich City for a top-flight battle.