NATHAN Tella has signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract at Saints that will see him remain with the club until 2025.

The former Arsenal academy man has been rewarded by the club that he joined back in 2017 with a brand-new deal.

Tella has made eight appearances in the Premier League this season and has had to battle competition for starting places, but it takes his total first-team appearances to 33.

Speaking after signing his deal, Tella said: “I'm over the moon. I really like the club, I'm really enjoying my time here. The fact that the club are believing in me is something I'm so thankful for.  

“The club have been nothing but great to me all season, and last season as well. They believe in me and now I've got to believe in myself.

“Moving forward, I want to repay the faith they have in me. I want to play more games, be involved in more goals and help the team progress.”

Tella made his first-team debut in the 3-0 win at Norwich in June 2020 and has scored twice in Saints colours, as well as being prolific in Premier League 2 for the B team.