Southampton are eager to begin negotiations with Tonda Eckert about a new long-term deal in order to ward off interest from rival teams.

According to Talksport, owner Dragan Solak wants to sign the German coach to a new contract upon his return from a football ban.

Last November, the 33-year-old was selected as Will Still’s replacement, and he led the squad to fourth place in the Championship and an FA Cup semi-final.

However, the Hampshire club was kicked out of the play-offs after being found guilty of violating the EFL’s rules about eavesdropping on opposing teams’ training sessions.

Eckert was later charged by the Football Association, raising concerns that he could be banned from football.

He did, however, get a six-week suspended ban, allowing him to continue working in the dugout at St. Mary’s.

Southampton’s Tonda Eckert contract status

Southampton are expected to initiate talks with Eckert in the near future to explore terms for extending his contract.

The 33-year-old was first appointed on an interim basis, but was given the permanent role following a strong run of play in his first few games in charge.

The previous season’s 25-game unbeaten streak earned the squad a spot in the play-off final, but they were expelled from the competition before the match.

Southampton’s last five league results.

Opponent (Home or away)

Result

Portsmouth (H)

1-0 win

Wrexham (A)

2-1 loss

Bristol City(H)

4-1 win

Swansea City (Home)

3-1 win

Lincoln City (A

1-1

Despite the high cost of missing out on promotion to the Premier League, the Saints decided to continue with Eckert.

And now the club is looking to tie him down to a new contract in order to stave off any rivals’ interest in his talents.

Stuttgart was associated with an interest in appointing Eckert earlier this year, and his work at St. Mary’s could lead to additional clubs looking into plucking him away from the Saints.

How Southampton fans feel about Tonda Eckert’s contract.

Southampton fans believe that the club’s choice to back Eckert following the espionage incident indicates that a new contract is a logical next step now that the drama has concluded.

And some believe it is what the 33-year-old must do after receiving such strong support from the Saints.

Southampton return to play against Norwich City on Wednesday at 7.45 p.m.

Tonda Eckert’s contract is a no-brainer for Southampton.

Eckert has done remarkably well since taking over for Still last November, although his contract only runs until June of next year.

So agreeing on a deal should be a major priority at Southampton, as it will give the club some clout if another team wants to hire him.

The Championship club demonstrated a great deal of loyalty by sticking with the German over the summer, and he can reciprocate that faith by signing to a long-term contract now.

Despite a four-point deduction penalty at the start of the season, Southampton still appears capable of contending for automatic promotion under Eckert, so it makes logical that Solak would want to keep the coach.