Adam Lallana has ended speculation over his future by signing a new four-and-a-half deal with Saints.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who has come through the ranks at St Mary’s after joining from Bournemouth as a schoolboy, is now committed to the club until 2015.

The contract completion marks a major coup for Saints who had feared they would lose one of their prized assets for nothing as the clock ticked down on his current deal which was due to expire in the summer.

Such has been Lallana’s progress over the past two years that it was known that a number of Premier League clubs had been following him with some interest, with several understood to be on the verge of making a move for his services this month.

But now he is able to focus fully on firing Saints to League One promotion this season.

Lallana made his Saints debut back in 2006, two years after having surgery on an irregular heartbeat picked up during a routine medical when away with the England under-17 team.

He was always a precious talent playing in a role just behind the strikers.

He scored his first Saints goal at a crucial time, coming off the bench in 2008 to bag a vital strike against West Brom when Nigel Pearson was manager and the club were fighting what was ultimately a successful Championship relegation battle.

He established himself as a regular under Jan Poortvliet and Mark Wotte the following season but was part of a young team that struggled and were ultimately relegated to League One.

However, last season he flourished under Alan Pardew’s leadership, making the left midfield slot his own and becoming the first Saints midfielder since Dave Armstrong to break the 20 goal barrier in a season.

Lallana was part of the team that lifted the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and, after a minor operation on his knee at the start of this camapign, has returned to form again with eight goals to his name in all competitions.

His decision to sign a new deal will be hugely popular not only with club officials but also the fans who hold him in high regard.