Southampton have been handed a boost on the eve of the new Premier League season after attacking midfielder Dusan Tadic signed a new four-year contract with the club.

The Serbia international joined the Saints in a £10.9million deal from Dutch club Twente in the summer of 2014 and has scored 13 goals and provided a further 12 assists during his two seasons on the south coast.

The 27-year-old’s form has helped Southampton achieve back-to-back top-seven finishes in the Premier League and he admits that he has enjoyed every minute of his time at St Mary’s.

Tadic said: “I am really pleased. I have had two beautiful years here and a great connection with the supporters and everyone in the club – all the players and the staff.”

The former Groningen youngster revealed that other clubs were interested in acquiring his services but he never had any doubts about extending his stay.

He added: “I am really happy that I have signed a new contract. The club showed a lot of effort to keep me.

There were also other possibilities but we recognised that the best is that I stay in Southampton, and I want to mention they put in a lot of effort for that, and I appreciate that.”

Southampton will kick-off the new Premier League season with a home match against Watford on Saturday and they are available at 1.80 to begin the campaign with a victory, while the Hornets are on offer at 4.75 and the draw is priced at 3.60.