Jay Rodriguez signs new Southampton deal

Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez ended speculation about his Saints future and signed a new contract which keeps him at St. Mary's until 2019.

The England international has had various potential suitors tracking his progress as he recovers from a serious knee injury from the 2013-14 Premier League season.

Despite not having played a game this season, Manchester City and Tottenham were thought to be looking to make a move for Jay Rod in the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old striker had actually injured the cruciate ligaments in his knee at City's Etihad stadium last season.

But, it is Southampton who Rodriguez opted to commit his long-term future to as the club stood by him as he recovered from his horrendous knee injury.

He said: "It’s a great club and we’ve done amazingly this year. It’s been a tough year for myself being out but I’m really delighted to sign the contract. It’s now about looking forward to the future.

"The medical staff have all worked tirelessly with me, so this is great news. I just want to carry on improving now and to try to get some game time."

Saints manager Ronald Koeman added: "This is very good news for the club because there was some speculation about Jay and interest from other big clubs, so it is a compliment to the club that we have an agreement."

Rodriguez is back in training and nears a return to first team action for the Saints. Southampton play their last game of the season at Manchester City and Jay Rod could well be fit to appear at the stadium which saw him ruled out for over a year through injury.