Berlin, Dec 21 (IANS): Stuttgart have extended the contract of defender Benjamin Pavard ahead of schedule, the "Swabians" announced.

The Bundesliga side and the France international agreed on a one-year contract extension. Pavard will thus stay with Stuttgart until June 2021, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Benjamin has developed very well during his time here at Stuttgart. The nomination for the France national team also underlines his development. We are happy that he decided to extend his contract despite several offers from other clubs," Stuttgart's sporting director Michael Reschke said.

The 21-year-old defender joined the newly promoted Bundesliga side from French outfit Lille in the summer 2016 after penning a four-year deal. Since his arrival Pavard made 38 appearances and provided two goals and two assists to become a key player in Stuttgart's defence.

"I am very happy about the Stuttgart's trust. There have been several requests from other clubs in the past few weeks and months but I never thought about leaving. Stuttgart is a big club where I want to evolve," Pavard said.

Stuttgart occupy the 14th place of the Bundesliga standings. They clash with Hertha Berlin after the winter break on January 13.