Highly rated teenager Luke Shaw to commit future to Southampton

17-year-old expected to sign five-year deal

Highly rated teenager Luke Shaw has pledged his long-term future to Southampton and will sign a five-year deal at the club on his 18th birthday, Press Association Sport understands.

The 17-year-old left-back has been attracting admiring glances from a number of the Premier League's elite, with Arsenal rumoured to be readying a January bad.

However, the latest talent off Saints' production line has ended any speculation over his future by today committing his long-term future to the club.

Whilst he cannot sign a senior contract until his 18th birthday, Press Association Sport understands Shaw will be signing a five-year deal when he does turn 18 on July 12, 2013.

"I have spoken with the chairman about a long term plan for me at the club," the defender told the club's official website, http://www.saintsfc.co.uk.

"To put an end to all the speculation, I will be committing my future to Southampton. I'm not going anywhere.

"I think Southampton is the place to be for young kids like me.

"I'm playing in the Premier League for the first team and that is all anyone wants to be doing, so I just want to carry on.

"I have been at Southampton since a very young age so I've been here a long time now.

"I think they are happy with me here, and this club is great for young players like us.

"If you look back over the years, Adam [Lallana] has come through the youth system and now he is the captain of the first team, and Prowsey (James Ward-Prowse) has just signed a five-year deal - and that is what I want to be doing.

"We have a lot of trust in our youth and there are more players coming through next year, so hopefully we will just carry on going."

Shaw's commitment to Southampton follows on from fellow academy graduate Ward-Prowse, who signed a five-year deal at St Mary's in November.

The left-back has become an integral part of Nigel Adkins' side in recent months, having started every match since his full Premier League debut against Swansea in November.

PA