SAINTS are hoping to negotiate a new five-year contract with Victor Wanyama, according to executive director of football Les Reed.

The midfielder had asked to leave St Mary’s before the transfer window closed, with Tottenham interested in him.

However, the Saints board stood firm and denied his request to move.

With the window now closed, Reed revealed that Saints have begun work on a new deal for Wanyama.

"We've already tried to start negotiations on that,” Reed told Sky Sports. “We've offered him the opportunity for a long-term extension.

"We'd like to tie him down for another five years. Whether that's possible or not, I don't know, but the opportunity is there to do that.

"He was a little bit unsettled and I think that has to happen probably at most clubs with different players. The speculation does raise a few eyebrows.

"Maybe it got a little bit too hyped up and maybe Victor thought there was a bit more truth in the rumours than there was.

"Now it's over, he's gone home to Kenya and I think he'll enjoy some time with his family and come back and be settled and raring to go in our team."