Jack Cork wants to extend his Saints career – but insists he is not thinking about contract issues right now.

The midfielder is due to become a free agent next summer but as yet no talks have been held about a new deal.

Cork, who started in Saturday’s 4-0 win against Newcastle and scored his first Premier League goal for Saints, says he would be open to discussing a fresh contract.

However, he is not pushing the matter – with his intention simply being to try to keep his place in the team and to play regularly.

“I just want to see if I can play,” he said.

“I was not sure how the season was going to turn out, the way it started – I am still not sure what will happen with the rest of the season.

“As long as I keep playing and doing well, that’s the most I can do, then see what other people think after that.

“There has not been anything said, I’ve not said anything yet.

“I would like to see how many games I can play, see if I can do well, and see what happens after that.”

With his Saints future unclear, there was plenty of interest in Cork, right, during the transfer window from clubs such as Crystal Palace and Swansea.

But the board and manager Ronald Koeman opted to keep hold of him.

If they did want to discuss a new deal, Cork will be happy to talk.

“Obviously, I would be open to that,” he said.

“Obviously, (running out your contract) does cross people’s minds, but this is a club I have been at for four years.

“Everyone is settled here and, obviously, it is nice to feel like you are wanted somewhere, so it would be nice.

“But we’ll see what happens. I just want to keep playing.

“I wasn’t sure how the season was going to go from the start and if I can just keep staying in and around the squad then let’s see what happens after that.”