The midfielder will begin a two-year scholarship on 1st July, with his professional deal kicking in when he turns 17 next February.

Slattery was a regular for Southampton’s Under-18s last season, making 25 appearances and netting three goals – including a spectacular strike in an FA Youth Cup victory over West Ham.

He also made his Development Squad debut last season, coming off the bench during an Under-21 Premier League Cup victory over Norwich City at the age of 15.

CONFIRMED: Youngster Callum Slattery has agreed to sign a long-term professional contract with #SaintsFC. https://t.co/UsHsWoBMa6 — Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) June 22, 2015

Slattery is the current captain of England Under-16s, skippering them to victory in the Montaigu Tournament earlier this year.

Executive Director of Football Les Reed commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Callum to follow in the footsteps of a long line of homegrown players at this club.

“Callum has demonstrated the desire and talent to strive for first-team football at Southampton. He knows this will require the same level of hard work and dedication previous demonstrated by the likes of Gareth Bale and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and more recently by fellow midfielders James Ward-Prowse and Harrison Reed.

“Following the signing of two young foreign talents, it is important that we continue to demonstrate that homegrown players remain a priority at this club and the pipeline is still flowing.

“Callum has the correct profile to follow the pathway to the first team we have created – he has been brought up in ‘the Southampton Way’.

“He has achieved international recognition, and will now join the professional ranks motivated to achieve his dream of playing for Southampton's first team and England.

“For the club, this is another important step towards our goal of continued development – first in the Premier League and then, in years to come, within Europe.”