Southampton defender Stephens signs new five-year deal

Britain Soccer Football - Watford v Southampton - Premier League - Vicarage Road - 4/3/17 Southampton's Jack Stephens Reuters / Paul Hackett/ Livepic/ Files

REUTERS - Southampton central defender Jack Stephens has signed a new five-year contract with the Premier League club after breaking into the first team last season.

The 23-year-old formed a strong partnership with Maya Yoshida in the heart of the Saints' defence, making 23 appearances for the south coast club after Virgil van Dijk's season came to a premature end due to injury.

"I am absolutely delighted to extend my stay," Stephens told the club website.

"It feels like home to me. I have really enjoyed my time here and am now looking forward to the next five years."

(Reporting by Simon Jennings)