SAINTS defender Yan Valery remained tight-lipped about his future at the club and insisted: “We'll see what happens this summer.”

The 23-year-old has been part of the setup at Saints since 2015, rising through the academy ranks having been spotted by the club as a youngster.

Having made his senior debut in November 2018, the Paris-born defender has gone on to play 51 times for the St Mary’s side in all competitions.

His game time was limited on the south coast last season, with just five top-flight appearances coming during the 2021-22 campaign.

And with a year left on his current deal, Valery kept his cards close to his chest when asked about his future.

Asked whether he had been told about a contract extension, or whether he planned to leave in the transfer window, Valery’s translated quotes from Footmercato said: “I don't prefer to talk about these things.

“I have one year left on my contract, we'll see what happens, I'm still at Southampton and we'll see what happens this summer.”

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Valery has previously been linked with moves to the likes of Marseille and Nantes.

Quizzed on whether Ligue 1 would be a goal for him, the defender said: “I'm never going to spit on Ligue 1, I'm French, of course Ligue 1, if it's a top club... there are a lot of them, even my training club Stade Rennais comes out of a superb season, you also see clubs like Strasbourg or Lens, they are playing very well.

“We know after the big clubs with Nice, Lyon, there are a lot of very good clubs and I wouldn't mind one day returning to France and playing there, that's for sure.”

Also asked whether he would be happy if Marseille had any more interest, Valery responded: “I can't talk about that, but in any case it's definitely flattering if OM were to take an interest in me.

“We know it's a very big club in France so no one will ever spit on Marseille.”

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