Sam Wallace: Southampton forward Nathan Redmond has signed a new four-year deal at the club that represents Saints' most important contract renegotiation of the summer.
There has been a major refresh and restructure of the squad this close season by manager Ralph Hasenhuttl and director of football operations Ross Wilson, and keeping Redmond was central to that strategy. The 25-year-old has been used extensively by Hasenhuttl since his arrival in December and his performances for Saints earned him his first senior England cap in May. Securing the long-term future of Redmond, who is going into his fourth season at the club, is crucial to Southampton’s new high-energy, youthful approach under Hasenhuttl.
Both Michael Obafemi, 19, and Yan Valery, 20, brought to the academy in their late teens and now first team players, have signed new deals this year.
Barring a late intervention today, Mario Lemina is now likely to leave for a European club before the Sept 2 deadline. The former Juventus midfielder has been the subject of interest from Wolves this transfer window, as well as Arsenal. Saints are looking for a permanent move for him, or at the very least a loan with an obligation to buy later. Roma and Sevilla have shown the greatest interest in the 25-year-old. Charlie Austin is in talks with West Bromwich Albion.