Saturday 1 July 2017 12:00, UK
Southampton defender Jack Stephens has penned a new five-year deal, keeping him at St Mary's until the summer of 2022.
With ongoing speculation surrounding the future of Virgil van Dijk, the news that Stephens has committed his long-term future to the Saints hands a massive boost to the club's supporters.
Former Plymouth youngster Stephens has been with Southampton since the age of 17 and formed a solid partnership with Maya Yoshida during the second half of last season, with van Dijk's campaign curtailed by a ligament injury in January.
"I am absolutely delighted to extend my stay," England U21 defender Stephens told Southampton's official website.
"It feels like home to me. I have really enjoyed my time here and am now looking forward to the next five years.
"It's a massive platform for me now because it just shows how much faith the club have put in me."
Southampton vice-chairman of football, Les Reed, added: "Our philosophy at Southampton is to turn potential into excellence, and Jack is somebody who very much embodies this.
"His progression, and the level of his performances, was one of the real highlights of last season, and we have been delighted with his development ever since he joined the club.
"We are extremely pleased to have strengthened our commitment with him, and we believe Jack can continue to improve here and play an important role in our first-team plans moving forward."
