Nigel Adkins confirms trio will leave Southampton

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins has confirmed that Lee Barnard, Ryan Dickson and Jonathan Forte will all leave the club.

The Saints trio have only played for the development squad so far during pre-season, and Adkins has admitted that the players are all searching for a new club.

Adkins told BBC Radio Solent: "It's fair to say that they can leave, we want to try and do it early enough for them and I know their agents have been working actively.

"There has been interest in them because they are of good quality and I would imagine as the month progresses something more concrete will materialise."

Southampton have been busy in the transfer market this summer as they prepare for life in the Premier League, signing Nathaniel Clyne, Steve Davis, Jay Rodriguez and Paulo Gazzaniga.

Saints kick off their league campaign away to champions Manchester City on Sunday, August 19.