SAINTS will give Gareth Bale until the start of next week to decide whether to sign a new contract.
Though the Daily Echo understands it remains unlikely that Bale will agree to a one-year extension to his current deal, Saints are determined to give him every chance to commit his future to the club.
Bale has not yet given the club a formal answer to their contract proposal, which would keep him at St Mary's until the summer of 2009.
But, whilst Saints have allowed the 17-year-old left back, his parents and his agents from the Stellar Group thinking time, they need to know by the start of next week.
That is because if Bale does turn down the deal they will need as much time as possible to weigh up their options.
See today's Daily Echo for full story
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article