Jay Rodriguez ends Tottenham speculation and signs new 4-year deal with Southampton

Jay Rodriguez has signed a new four-year contract with Southampton, the club have confirmed. The 25-year-old is nearing his return to full fitness after missing the entire season due to a cruciate ligament injury suffered in April 2014.

The former Burnley forward has remained linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur having returned to training in recent weeks but has sought to repay Southampton's support during his absence by signing a new deal until 2019.

The news follows confirmation that German striker Max Kruse, who has also been linked with a move to White Hart Lane in recent weeks, has opted to remain in the Bundesliga and sign for Wolfsburg.

"I am delighted," Rodriguez told Southampton's official website. "It is a great club and we've done amazingly this year.

"It's been a tough year for myself being out, but I am really delighted to sign the contract. It is now about looking forward to the future.

"The medical staff have all worked tirelessly with me, so this is great news. I just want to carry on improving now and to try to get some games."

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has been faced with constant speculation surrounding his prized assets, namely Nathaniel Clyne and Morgan Schneiderlin, who remain closely linked with moves away from the south coast.

The Dutchman acknowledged Rodriguez has been the subject of similar talk but paid tribute to the England international for committing his future to St Mary's.

"This is very good news for the club because there was some speculation about Jay and interest from other big clubs, so it is a compliment to the club that we have an agreement," Koeman said. "It has been a difficult time for Jay who has been doing everything to come back in a good shape.

"It is a good start to the summer business for us because it shows that everyone here is convinced by what we want to achieve."

Tottenham had been heavily linked with Rodriguez ahead of the summer transfer window amid reports suggesting Mauricio Pochettino would push for a reunion with the player who thrived under the Argentine's management last season.

In recent days, the north London side have also learned that Borussia Monchengladbach striker Kruse will join Wolfsburg this summer.

A number of reports had suggested Tottenham were prepared to meet the German's release clause of £9m but the north London side have missed the chance with Wolfsburg since confirming the 27-year-old's arrival for next season.