Martin set to sign extension to Southampton deal

Manager Russell Martin is close to signing a contract extension with Southampton that ties him to the club until 2027.

Martin guided Southampton to an instant return to the Premier League last season after joining from Swansea City.

He is poised to be rewarded with a new contract that is essentially a one-year extension to the deal he signed last summer.

The former Norwich defender was appointed on a three-year contract and took Southampton on a club-record 25-match unbeaten run before finishing fourth in the Championship last season.

Saints beat Leeds United 1-0 in the play-off final to secure an instant comeback to the top flight following their relegation in May 2023.

Martin has also been at the forefront of Saints' summer recruitment since the departure of former director of football Jason Wilcox to Manchester United.

Southampton are in talks to bring Flynn Downes back to St Mary's following his successful loan last season.

They club hope to sign the West Ham United midfielder in a swap deal with defender Kyle Walker-Peters going in the other direction.