Saints have once more shown a statement of intent by following up Virgil Van Dijk's contract extension by getting pen to paper by another two members of the squad.

Fraser Forster and James Ward prowse have shown their commitment to the Saints cause by signing long term deals at St Mary's

Forster has been the subject of speculation lately that either Liverpool or Chelsea would be coming in for him in the summer, but he has now scotched those rumours by signing a new five year deal.

But more importantly that that, the keeper showed that there seems to be a real sense of ambition around St Mary's these days with his comments on the club website.

"I'm delighted. It's been another good year for the club and I think there's real ambition around the place and it's good to be a part of it, so to commit and sign a new deal is unbelievable and I'm just looking forward to getting stated again."

"Every player wants to keep moving forward in their career and for me especially I'm very ambitious, and I think at this club there is that real ambition and desire to keep moving forward and improve year-in, year-out."

"If you look at just last week with Virgil signing his new deal, that was obviously positive news and after last year and then this year it's obvious things are moving forward and hopefully we can keep doing that in the future."

James Ward Prowse has also shown his own commitment to the cause, he has been at the club for so long it is easy to forget what a vital member of the squad he is, although he won't be 22 till November and is at an age where a player is looking to break into a Premier League squad rather than be a long term member, he has played over 100 Premier League games for Saints.

This has stood him in good stead, although the downside is that he is probably higher rated away from St Mary's than many Saints supporters give him credit for, he has signed till 2022 and with competition hotting up in the centre of midfield he will be looking to use all that experience to good measure in the next year or so and becoming an indispensable first choice in the side.

Saints fans having watched his development over the years perhaps have not realised what a good player he has become and are continuously judging him on past performances rather than his recent contributions, now hopefully this deal will give him the confidence to blossom.

The player himself is delighted to commit his long term future with Saints

"I'm delighted. When I knew I had the chance to extend my stay here it was a no-brainer for me."

"It's pleasing that the club have shown that they have faith in me to extend my stay and I want to repay the faith to the club for putting their time and effort into making me the player I am today."

Photo: Action Images

vanmans added 11:36 - May 13 Good news that Fraser Forster has signed a new 5 year contract. Bad news James Ward Prowse has signed a 6 year contract no chance of getting rid of him now then.
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SanMarco added 13:13 - May 13 All we need now is for similar news on Bertrand, Mane, Wanyama and of course Koeman. Although I fear that the Fonte interview in the Echo is preparing us for summer departures...
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schatfield added 14:51 - May 13 Not fussed about Wanyama signing anything, but happy if Bertrand, Mane, Long and Koeman did.
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