Cedric Soares has signed a new contract that keeps him at Saints until 2020.

The Euro 2016 winning right back only joined last summer in a £4m move from Sporting Lisbon and still had three years left on the deal he penned a year ago, but Saints have been trying to tie down all their most valuable assets and have convinced him to commit to the club for longer.

Cedric had a mixed first season at St Mary’s but has been identified as a key man by new manager Claude Puel.

Executive Director of Football Les Reed said: “Since his arrival at the club, Cédric has gone from strength to strength, ending his first season in England with a memorable EURO 2016 for Portugal this summer.

“At just 24, he now has plenty of experience under his belt at both club and international level, and we believe he will continue to be a key part of the club’s progression for many years to come.

“Although Cédric has only been with the club for one season, he has developed as a player and gained a real understanding of what is required to succeed in the Premier League.

“He becomes the seventh player to sign a new contract this summer, strengthening the club’s commitment to tie down its top talent.”

First Team Manager Claude Puel added: “It’s good news for the club, for Cédric and for all the team. He is an international player, he has won EURO 2016 with Portugal and it’s important for the club to keep players of his calibre.

“I’m happy for him and for us to keep Cédric with this team. He is a good player, important, a technical player and I am sure he will do many good things this season.”

Speaking about his new deal, Cédric said: “I’m really happy. The club has given me more confidence and they show me that they also trust in my football.

“I am really happy to be part of this club and be part of this family as well.”

Cedric joins Virgil van Dijk, Fraser Forster, James Ward-Prowse, Steven Davis, Ryan Bertrand and Dusan Tadic in signing an extended deal with Saints this summer.

Jose Fonte has been offered a pay rise rather than an extension on his current contract, but is yet to sign.