Saints are understood to have begun fresh contract negotiations with Jay Rodriguez.

The forward is closing in on a first-team comeback, following more than a year out with a knee injury, and talks are believed to have now restarted over trying to extend his stay at St Mary’s.

Rodriguez, 25, is currently under contract until the end of next season.

The club are understandably keen to tie him down to a longer deal, especially given the reported interest in him from rival sides in the Premier League.

Saints had previously been talking to the England international about a new five-year deal, but discussions about his future were put on hold after his injury, as both sides focused on him getting back to fitness.

There is hope that Rodriguez, who has now returned to training, could make his return on the final day of the season, when Ronald Koeman’s European chasers visit Manchester City - coincidentally, the same fixture in which he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament last season.

And, with his injury nearly behind him, the club are understood to remain keen on extending his contract through to 2020 if possible.