Southampton whizkid Josh Sims signs new three-and-a-half-year deal

DASHING winger Josh Sims has signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with Southampton.

The promising Academy graduate, who made his Premier League debut against Everton in November, has agreed a deal that will keep him at St Mary’s until the summer of 2020.

Sims, 19, has played England at youth level and has now made eight first-team appearances, including four games in the Premier League.

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Saints boss Claude Puel has shown enormous faith in Sims and was keen to ward off interest from other Premier League clubs.

A happy Sims said: “I’m absolutely delighted to signed a new contract with the club.

"I’m really happy that the club have put faith in me to offer me a new contract.

“I can’t really put into words how good it has been recently, but I just need to push on now and continue my progress.

“I can’t see why you wouldn’t want to sign here. This is definitely the club for me to help me progress and aspire to be like some of the other Academy graduates to have come through.”

Les Reed, Southampton Executive Director of Football, added: “We’re thrilled that Josh has extended his commitment to Southampton Football Club until at least 2020.

“Josh has shown a constant progression in recent years, which has been extremely pleasing, and this has been highlighted by his fantastic performances in the first-team this season.

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“He has displayed an excellent maturity over the course of the campaign, and has looked very comfortable as part of Claude Puel’s squad.

“Following on from Harrison Reed, Sam McQueen and Jake Hesketh earlier in the season, we’re delighted that yet another Academy graduate believes they’re in the right place to continue their development.”