Ronald Koeman has claimed that the return of Jay Rodriguez will be like having a new player at Southampton next season.
A knee injury has prevented the forward from making an appearance this season, but he answered any questions surrounding his future by signing a new deal with the club earlier this week.
Rodriguez is expected to play for the first time under Koeman against Manchester City next week, and the Dutchman admits that his fitness will be a big boost to the attack.
"He's a very dangerous front player that makes the team even stronger," the Saints boss told reporters. "He will give us very good competition between the strikers, that will be important for next season.
"If Jay can have a good pre-season, we have a new player in our team and that is fantastic news.
"He was part of the sessions this week. We are waiting for confirmation about an Under-21 game against Manchester City at home next Tuesday. He will be part of that, maybe in the second half, and then after that there is a possibility to take Jay with the squad to the Man City game."
Southampton host Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
Callum Mulvihill
