Young keeper Jeffries joins Saints Academy

The 16-year-old goalkeeper joins the club after a successful trial period from fellow Hampshire side Eastleigh, where he featured for the club’s Under-19s side in the National League Youth Alliance.

Jeffries also represented local club AFC Totton, making his debut for the senior side in the Southampton Senior Cup 1st Round tie against Bashley earlier this season.

His involvement with the Stags will continue for the remainder of the season, having re-registered for the club on work experience.

On signing for his boyhood club, Jeffries said: “It’s brilliant, a dream come true really being a Saints fan. To be here at Staplewood training every day is where I’ve always wanted to be, so it’s amazing.

“My family are over the moon. My parents haven’t really expected it because it came out of the blue. When I got home and told them I’d been offered a contract there were hugs everywhere!

“I want to play at the highest level I possibly can, whether that will be Premier League 2 or the Premier League. I just want to progress as much as possible and Saints will help me do that.

“The goal for me is to play for Saints, that’s my childhood dream. That will be the end goal and I’ll do whatever is needed of me to get to that point.”

Academy Director Matt Hale said: "Josh has settled in really well and provided healthy competition to the professional development phase goalkeeping group.

"It’s a great story for a young Saints fan to earn a full-time contract with his boyhood Club. Good luck to him and together we hope to maximise his potential.

“We have enjoyed a strong and productive relationship with AFC Totton over the last few years with facilities and friendly games being the bedrock of our agreement.

"Player recruitment, movement and loan opportunities are potential future parts of our relationship with Totton and wider community Clubs with whom we are looking to forge greater links.”