Stewart, 29, is under contract until this summer after signing a three-year deal when he joined from Sunderland in 2023.

The Daily Echo understands that Saints possess a clause in Stewart’s contract that would allow them to extend his stay at St Mary’s by a further year.

The Scottish forward, who has scored four Championship goals this season, acknowledged that performing well will improve his chances of staying on the south coast.

“For me, it's just focusing on the football. I've got to try and play as many games between now and the end of the season and make positive impacts,” he told the Daily Echo.

Ross Stewart scored and notched an assist against Leicester in a 4-3 win. (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson)

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“It is in the back of my head. I'm really happy down here. Would I love to stay here beyond that? Yes, I would, but I can't think about it too much.

“I know that playing a lot and making a positive impact goes a long...