Hesketh’s new deal, which will run until 2021, sees him extend his commitment to the club he has been at since the age of eight.



The 20 year-old, who made his Saints debut in December 2014, is currently working his way back from an injury suffered in October.



Hesketh enjoyed a memorable start to his season, scoring his first ever Southampton goal in a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup.



The midfielder then featured in the UEFA Europa League, as he made a big impression on manager Claude Puel.



Speaking about his new contract, Hesketh said: “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.



“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.”



Jake Hesketh outside the Markus Liebherr Pavilion

Executive Director of Football Les Reed said: “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.”

Related Reed signs new Saints contract