Les Reed says that Saints have “no intention” of selling players this summer and that “the signs are good” that Nathaniel Clyne will commit to a new long-term contract at St Mary’s.

The club’s executive director has been fielding questions about the futures of some of the club’s star players.

When asked about potential sales, with the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin and Jay Rodriguez heavily linked with moves away, Reed said: “It wouldn't be our intention to sell any of our players this summer.

“We’re in the process of renegotiating contracts with some but our main purpose at the moment is keeping this squad together and adding to it.”

Clyne, like Rodriguez, has little more than one year left to run on his current contract, but Reed said: “We’re in constant communication.

“These contract negotiations are never just one meeting, where everything is done and sorted out.

“You have to bear in mind, especially with Nathaniel, that we want him to focus on the last few games of the season.

“That’s why you’ll get players saying, ‘let’s wait until the end of the season’.

“That’s quite normal and he’s very happy. He’s managed to force himself into the England squad and is showcasing his talents.

I’d be very surprised if there wasn’t speculation about him, but at the moment the signs are good.”

l Rodriguez has returned to first team training with Saints.

The 25-year-old has been out for more than a year after tearing his cruciate ligament at Manchester City.

A couple of setbacks have hampered his progress but yesterday morning he was applauded back onto the training field by his teammates as he steps up his recovery.