Southampton defender Jose Fonte has urged the club's hierarchy to offer manager Mauricio Pochettino a "big, long contract" this summer.

The Argentine's future on the South Coast has been called into question in recent months since the departure of executive chairman Nicola Cortese in January.

A number of clubs including Monaco, Marseille and Getafe are rumoured to be interested in moving for the 42-year-old, and Fonte says that it is "massive" for the Saints to retain his services.

The Portuguese told reporters at a press conference: "I think it's massive. It's one of the main things. We players love to play under him, we love his philosophy, his style of play, and the way he manages is top.

"He is definitely one of the best managers that I have played under. So we look forward to him signing a big, long contract so we can relax and enjoy our time with him."

Pochettino took over from Nigel Adkins last January and has since firmly established the Saints in the Premier League.