Ronald Koeman confident England duo will sign new deals at Southampton

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman is confident Jay Rodriguez and Nathaniel Clyne will sign new contracts at St Marys, despite interest from other Premier League clubs.

Rodriguez, who has been sidelined for over a year after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, has only a season left on his current deal and is reportedly being monitored by Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool.

Despite the speculation, the England international now appears ready to extend his stay on the south coast, and Koeman believes the deal highlights a real coup for the Saints.

“He was talking to the club. He’s a good player and I think he will be an important player for next season,” said the Dutchman.

“If he stays, I think that is a good signal to the club, to everybody.”

Full back Clyne, who has become an England regular this campaign, is another Saints player linked with a move away and Manchester United are hotly tipped to enquire about his services.

The 24-year-old is also out of contract next summer, and Koeman reportedly gave Clyne 10 days to decide on his future ahead of scheduled talks after this weekend’s game against Leicester.

“We like to know it because always with players that have one season of their contract left, that is business,” said Koeman.

"He mentioned at different times to everybody at the club [that he is happy] and I understand it's all about the contract, the future, and he has to make that decision. I can give him some advice but it's difficult."