SAINTS have handed Japanese defender Maya Yoshida a new three year contract.

The centre-back, who celebrates his 29th birthday today, signs a fresh deal until 2020.

Negotiations have gone on throughout the summer with Yoshida, whose previous contract expired next summer.

Saints and the player's intermediaries came to an agreement recently, with Yoshida now putting pen to paper.

The Japan international has been at Saints five years, having joined from Dutch side VVV-Venlo in 2012 as the club prepared for its first season back in the Premier League after a seven-year absence.

He has gone on to make nearly 140 appearances in red and white and has risen in prominence during the past year or so.

Under Claude Puel last term, Yoshida was given more responsibility and has been a mainstay in the team since Jose Fonte's exit to West Ham in January.

He had previously struggled for game time under Ronald Koeman and Mauricio Pochettino.

Under Koeman he often thrust in to an unfamiliar role at right back, where he admitted himself he lost a lot of confidence.

However, after last season's successes he found his feet and remains a key member of the team under new boss Mauricio Pellegrino, having started all three of his competitive games in charge so far.

Les Reed said: “We are extremely pleased to have reached a new agreement with Maya, who is a vital part of our squad, not only on the pitch, but off it.

“Maya is a player who has taken great strides in his game during his time with us, and his influence was felt particularly last season, as he formed outstanding partnerships with both Virgil van Dijk and Jack Stephens, helping the team reach the EFL Cup final.

“Maya is an excellent example for any young professional to follow and it was important to ensure that we extended our commitment with him.

“We are excited about the depth we now possess at the centre-back position for the years ahead, with Maya’s new deal strengthening our excellent group even further for the coming seasons.”

Maya Yoshida commented: "There was no reason to leave the club. I have been here for five years. In that time, I have had difficult moments, good moments – everything.

"I feel like it's my home and I'm very happy to continue my journey with Southampton. It's a new chapter for my career."