James Morris, David Agbontohoma and Lucas Defise have all signed pro terms with Southampton.

The trio have signed one-year deals and will now continue their progression through the Academy by joining David Horseman's Under-23s side.

Fullback Morris said “Signing a first professional contract anywhere would be great, but signing it at the club I've supported since I can remember and my family all being fans it makes it special.

“I joined at Under-10s, so I have been here quite a while now. Seeing how the club has developed has been great and now we have all these great facilities. To see everyone progress has been a great experience."

Former Arsenal defender Agbontohoma stated: “You see players like Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott coming through this club and it makes you think that you have an opportunity. You see players you train with joining in with the first team and think that could be me any day of the week."

And Belgian midfielder Lucas Defise, formerly of Chelsea, also remarked: "It's been a tough journey as I struggled in the first year but in the second year I did pretty well so I'm happy to have earned a contract.

“The club were really helpful, and all the staff make you feel like they care about you. They've helped me physically and technically; in everything they have helped me."