Saturday 22 November 2014 14:27, UK
Southampton have opened contract negotiations with highly-rated full-back Nathaniel Clyne, manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed.
Clyne has been one of the stars of Southampton's superb start to the season, producing a string of impressive performances that earned him a call from England manager Roy Hodgson.
The 23-year-old enhanced his reputation in the European qualifying win over Slovenia and the midweek victory over Scotland.
His current deal with Saints expires at the end of next season, and Koeman is confident the former Crystal Palace defender will commit to a new long-term contract in the near future.
"I know Clyney's contract has one year left after this season so it's normal to do something now to keep that player," Koeman said. "Have those talks already started? Of course, you cannot wait until next season.
"I have had conversations with (executive director) Les Reed about the contracts of the players. We want to keep everyone and I am not surprised about Clyne's performances for the national team.
"He is a fantastic player which he has showed since the start of the season. If there is interest, we will hear about that and we will try everything to keep him here because he is fantastic football player."
Koeman also refused to comment on speculation over the future of Morgan Schneiderlin, who appeared to suggest he would be open to offers after telling French newspaper L'Equipe during the international break that he wanted to play for a "big club".
"I say nothing about his future because he is a Southampton player," Koeman said.
Morgan is a Southampton player and he is focused on Aston Villa on Monday
"I also know - I had that experience as a player - that when you go back to play for your national team you do interviews and they make it a bit different and then it comes back to England and it is a big story.
"He is a Southampton player and he is focused on Aston Villa on Monday."
Schneiderlin is having treatment on a groin injury sustained while he was with the France squad during the international break, but Koeman believes the midfielder will be fit for the trip to Villa Park.
Southampton, currently second in the Premier League after winning eight of their opening 11 games, face a tough schedule over the remainder of the year with fixtures against Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea.
But the Saints boss insists his team will not change their style of play against the elite side's in the top flight, adding: "It's always easier to keep winning when the start is positive.
"The belief the players have is important to win games and in my opinion the most important thing is we keep our way of playing. Even if we play away or home at Manchester City or Liverpool, that has to be the same."
Watch Southampton take on Aston Villa live from 7.30pm on Sky Sports 1 next Monday
