SAINTS youngster Callum Slattery has agreed a first professional contract with the club.

The highly promising midfielder, who has reportedly attracted the attentions of clubs such as Arsenal during his development with the academy, will formally put pen to paper on his 17th birthday.

That falls on February 8, and is the earliest point a youngster can sign such a deal.

At that age two years is the maximum length of deal a player can sign, and so Slattery will commit himself to St Mary's until 2018.

Slattery has proved himself a promising prospect in a creative midfield role and Saints have high hopes that he can make a big step up in the future.