Boufal rules out Southampton exit after transfer speculation

Sofiane Boufal has disclosed he will spend the 2019-20 season at Southampton, thereby ruling out an exit this summer.

The 25-year-old is ready to help the Saints in the Premier League after spending last season on loan in La Liga with Celta Vigo.

Towards the end of the 2017-18 campaign, Boufal fell out of favour under former Southampton boss Mark Hughes and has attracted interest from Ligue 1 club Nice.

He has, however, made his way to Ralph Hasenhuttl's squad following a fine pre-season tour where he scored a goal against Feyenoord in July.

The Morocco international has played 17 minutes of league football this season for the Saints who have lost their first two matches and he is committed to contributing to the team's success.

"I want to deny any information about a possible transfer this summer, I'm 100% focused on my club, Southampton, ready and motivated to make a good season and help the club," Boufal tweeted.

The former Lille winger will hope to make his second appearance of the season when Southampton visit Brighton and Hove Albion for Saturday's Premier League fixture.