SAINTS midfielder Moi Elyounoussi revealed he has “expressed that I would like to stay longer” after a breakout season at St Mary’s.

The Norwegian international’s current Saints contract is due to expire in summer 2023, with no talks for a new deal yet tabled.

It looked as though Elyounoussi, 27, might never break into Ralph Hasenhuttl’s plans after spending two years on loan at Scottish Premiership side Celtic.

However, after returning to Saints this year, he has become an integral part of the Austrian’s XI.

Daily Echo: Moi Elyounoussi scored last time out in the Premier League versus Watford (Pic: Stuart Martin)Moi Elyounoussi scored last time out in the Premier League versus Watford (Pic: Stuart Martin)

The winger, who can also play centrally in some formations, revived his career with a hattrick during the 8-0 win over League Two Newport County back in August in the EFL Cup.

Since then, he has added four goals in the Premier League and a further vital strike at Swansea City in the FA Cup run, which saw eventual quarter-final elimination at the hands of Manchester City.

“For my part, you have to put yourself in a good position, but it is not something you go around thinking about,” Elyounoussi said to Norwegian TV2, on his contract situation.

“It’s about the next match and about doing the best we can, so others can take care of that bit. We have not sat down to talk about it yet.”

He continued: “The time is not quite ripe yet, there are still some matches left. We can rather sit down after the end of the season and see what opportunities we have and what Southampton want.”

Daily Echo: Moi Elyounoussi arrived from Swiss side Basel in July 2018 (Pic: Stuart Martin)Moi Elyounoussi arrived from Swiss side Basel in July 2018 (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Elyounoussi has made 22 Premier League appearances this campaign, including starts in each of the last seven.

“I think I have shown that I am more than good enough for the Premier League. I really look at this as my first season in the Premier League,” the Norwegian insisted.

“I think it can only get better. I think Southampton see that too. I thrive there and have expressed that I would like to stay there longer.”

Despite four consecutive defeats for Saints, Elyounoussi scored the only goal versus Watford and then forced Aymeric Laporte to put through his own net in the 4-1 defeat to City.