Ronald Koeman is hopeful that Nathaniel Clyne will sign a new contract with Saints next week.

The right back has just over a year left to run on his current deal and has been heavily linked with a summer move to Manchester United.

Saints executive director Les Reed has revealed his optimism that Clyne may commit himself to St Mary’s with a new long term deal after the England international changed agents recently.

Koeman is taking nothing for granted but is hoping to get some welcome news next week.

He said: “That takes it a little bit longer than we expect in the beginning because it’s true that Clyney changed his agent.

“The same story about what Les Reed already mentioned yesterday.

“The feeling is good that we can keep Clyney in the club but still left the signature of the player and we hope that will be next week.”

Saints have already had one contract boost in recent days after Jay Rodriguez signed a new deal.

“I am very pleased because all about the rumours of the situation of Jay it’s good news,” admitted Koeman.

“He’s a very good player, he’s a forward player scoring goals, and I remember what I said in December that we were looking forward to have Jay in the team for January and now it looks next season.

“I always said the physical state of the player was more important than when he is coming back.

“It is good news for the club and all the fans that Jay is staying with us.”