Former Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez back in training - but he’s not for sale...

Burnley-born Rodriguez has been out of action since Manchester City when he suffered a cruciate ligament injury last April which cost him a potential place in England’s World Cup squad last year.

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But, after a number of setbacks during his recovery, Rodriguez is now set to be fit for the opening weekend of next season - when head of football development Les Reed fully expects him to still be part of Ronald Koeman’s squad.

“It wouldn’t be our intention to sell any of our players this summer,” said Reed of Rodriguez, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham and Manchester City, and French international Morgan Schneiderlin who has attracted interest from Arsenal and Liverpool “We’re in the process of renegotiating contracts with some but our main purpose at the moment is keeping this squad together and adding to it.”

Rodriguez was back in training with Southampton yesterday and Reed was pleased with the contribution of the forward, who made his England debut against Chile in 2013.

“Jay’s training most days now fully with the team,” Reed said.

“He’s looking in good shape, he’s a superb athlete at the moment, from spending such a lot of time training.

“The big question is how does it stand up in the intensity of a Premier League game? It’s too early to look at that, at the moment.

“I think he’ll be playing next season now.

“It would be lovely to get him out on the pitch but then you have to weigh that up against the risk.

“What’s important for Jay is that he has a real thorough pre-season with the squad and is fit and strong.”

Rodriguez made 87 starts for Burnley, scoring 41 goals, before leaving for Southampton in an £7m move in 2012.

After completing the training session he said on Twitter: “I’m back! Thanks for all the support.”

Southampton are currently seventh in the Premier League and still retain realistic ambitions of playing European football next season.