Sam Gallagher reportedly set for new Southampton contract

Despite intense rumours linking him with a move to the Championship, striker Sam Gallagher is apparently set for a new deal with the Saints.

According to reports in the Daily Mirror, Southampton will reject any approaches for the young forward, who has linked with a host of Championship sides since his on-loan club Blackburn got relegated.

Gallagher’s current contract was set to expire at the end of next season, meaning something would have to happen in the next few months or the club could risk losing him for nothing.

Cardiff, Aston Villa and Blackburn had all been credited with an interest in the target man, with his price tag varying from as low as £3 million right up to £10 million.

Last season the 21-year-old scored a dozen goals in all competitions to be the relegated side’s stand-out player, something that has earned him admirers from across the division.

However it seems like those at Southampton rate Gallagher’s potential too highly to let him leave, having shown their ruthlessness with the sale of Jason McCarthy just a few weeks ago.

Gallagher’s opportunity would certainly welcomed by the fans though, with both Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez firing blanks this season. Gallagher’s height and aerial threat would give the Southampton attacking line another dimension.

The young striker made 18 Premier League appearances under Mauricio Pochettino as a teenager during the 2013/14 season but has not featured since in any way, something that could change under new boss Mauricio Pellegrino.

However he could still be loaned out next season and may not get his chance in the first team, as Southampton may simply be tying him down for the future as opposed to letting him leave permanently.