Jake Hesketh signs new long-term Southampton deal

Southampton midfielder Jake Hesketh has signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal with the club.

The 20-year-old, who has been at the club since the age of eight, made his first-team debut in December 2014 and featured in the EFL Cup and Europa League earlier this season before picking up an injury in October.

The youngster has now put pen to paper on a new contract that will keep him at St Mary's until 2021, following in the footsteps of academy graduate Harrison Reed, who also signed a new long-term deal today.

"It's a really good feeling. With a new manager coming in going into the last year of my contract I knew I had to hit the ground running to do my best to impress him," Hesketh said in a statement.

"I got a couple of opportunities and this is a nice reward for it, so it's something I'm really happy about. I don't think there was any doubt in my mind that this is the place to be for young players."

Executive director of football Les Reed added: "We're delighted to see Jake extend his commitment to the football club. After making his debut, Jake worked extremely hard to get himself back into the first-team squad, and we were all delighted when he scored his first goal for the club at St Mary's earlier this season.

"Having been with the club since the age of eight, Jake's development has been an excellent example of the club's philosophy, seeing Academy graduates given the opportunity in the first team. Following on from Sam McQueen and Harrison Reed, we're delighted that our Academy graduates see Southampton as the perfect environment to continue their development."

Hesketh scored his first goal for Southampton during the 2-0 EFL Cup win over Crystal Palace earlier this season.