Jay Rodriguez has ended speculation over his future by signing a new and improved contract at Southampton.
A ruptured anterior cruciate ligament means it has been over a year since the 25-year-old last played, but that has not prevented the likes of Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool being linked with a summer move.
Rodriguez's contract was due to expire next year, but the England international has now penned an extension taking him through to 2019.
Last week manager Ronald Koeman rated the chances of the forward signing a new deal at St Mary's as eight out of 10.
"He was talking to the club," the Saints boss said of Rodriguez.
"He's a good player and I think he will be an important player for next season.
"If he stays, I think that is a good signal to the club, to everybody."
Rodriguez was not the only Southampton player with a year left on their contract, with Nathaniel Clyne also heavily linked with a move away.
Speculation about the right-back has increased in recent months, with Manchester United strongly linked with a summer move for England international.
The fact Clyne is out of contract next summer has fuelled talk and Saints manager Koeman has repeatedly underlined the importance of knowing whether he would sign a new and improved deal or not.
Executive director Les Reed planned to sit down with the full-back after Saturday's defeat to Leicester and it appears there is a chance he could yet stay on the south coast.
Previous talks over extending Clyne's contract have stalled, but negotiations over a new deal have reopened.
Whether a deal can be struck is another matter, but the resumption of talks is a positive move given it appeared all but certain the 24-year-old would be heading for the exit.
