Southampton's Martin hopeful Smallbone will sign new contract

The 23 year old Basingstoke-born midfielder is currently set for a short spell on the sidelines after an injury picked up against Norwich City last weekend.

Smallbone had started both of the opening Championship fixtures under Martin on his return from a loan at Stoke City last campaign.

The technically gifted Republic of Ireland international is among Kyle Walker-Peters and Ryan Manning in leading the way for progressive passes completed in Martin’s possession-based style.

Smallbone has been the subject of transfer interest from the Premier League, including Sheffield United, this summer and reportedly has a contract offer on the table from Saints, with just one year left on his current deal.

Asked if the club can get him to put pen to paper on fresh, extended terms, Martin told the Daily Echo: “I hope so, talks have been ongoing.

“I think Will wanted to come back and see how he fits in and see the new way of working.

"He feels like he had done enough last season to come back here and stake a claim and be a big player for the club. That is what he wants. 

"However, it has to be right for him and there has definitely been interest from other clubs in the Championship and Premier League after how well he had done.”

Martin added: “The club has been very clear with Will that we want him here; I want him here and Jason (Wilcox) wants him here.

"He’s an academy graduate and we have to really buy into those players. We have to be serious about that.

"Often you’ll hear it and it’s a bit lip service but we really want people who care about the club and Jack (Stephens) is a big part of that now.

“Will, for many reasons, ticks a lot of boxes – character, talent, grown up here and cares, and hopefully it’s something we can get sorted very quickly.”