Southampton and England midfielder Jay Rodriguez has signed a new four-year deal at the St Mary’s worth around £60,000 per week that will keep him at the club until 2019.

The 25-year-old has had a dreadful year after suffering a knee ligament damage against Manchester City last April forcing him out of action ever since.

However, Rodriguez, who was reported to be a target for Liverpool and Spurs, is now back in full training and could make his first appearance this season against City in the final game of the campaign.

Rodriguez told Southampton’s website. “It’s a great club and we’ve done amazingly this year. It’s been a tough year for myself being out, but I’m really delighted to sign the contract. It’s now about looking forward to the future.

“The medical staff have all worked tirelessly with me, so this is great news. I just want to carry on improving now and to try to get some game time.”

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman also expressed his delight at the deal: “This is very good news for the club because there was some speculation about Jay and interest from other big clubs, so it is a compliment to the club that we have an agreement.

“It has been a difficult time for Jay who has been doing everything to come back in a good shape.

“It’s a good start to the summer business for us because it shows that everyone here is convinced by what we want to achieve.”