Southampton boss Russell Martin has said the club are ‘yet’ to hold talks with Stuart Armstrong over a new deal.
Southampton risk losing the midfielder for free next summer. His contract with the Championship side expires at the end of June 2024.
Armstrong, 31, was part of the Saints’ team who were relegated from the Premier League last season. They are now eyeing an immediate promotion back to the top flight.
Martin has provided this update on the future of one of his key players, as per a report by the Daily Echo: “There hasn’t been any conversation about renewing his contract at the moment. I think Stuey just wants to focus on playing football.
“He has had a really difficult 18 months/two years, he’s not enjoyed it very much – I don’t think he will mind me saying that.”
He added: “In terms of the long-term future, I think he just wants to concentrate on playing football.
“He is all in with us now, he’s being really present and just focusing day to day. I think that’s all we can ask of him and the rest will take care of itself.”
Southampton contract latest
Armstrong’s long-term future at Southampton will most likely depend on what league they find themselves in next term.
He is a useful player to have in and around the squad as he is vastly experienced. The Scotland international, who has 44 caps to his name, also injects quality into the Saints’ ranks.
The Inverness-born man joined the club back in 2018 and has since made 182 appearances for them in all competitions, chipping in with 21 goals, two of which have come in this campaign.
Prior to his switch to England, Armstrong made a name for himself in the Scottish Premiership with spells at Dundee United and Celtic. He won the league title four times with the latter, as well as the Scottish Cup and League Cup.
Southampton won 2-1 away at Hull City last time out courtesy of a last-gasp strike by Ryan Fraser. Martin’s men are back in action tonight with a trip to Deepdale to lock horns with Preston North End.
The Saints are 8th in the table and are only outside the play-offs on goal difference.
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