Southampton stand firm over player exodus

Southampton have confirmed that they will not sell any more of their players until they appoint a new manager.

Saints striker Rickie Lambert joined Liverpool on Monday, while Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren have all been linked with moves away from the club in the past few weeks.

Despite admitting that they have received "multiple bids" for players in recent times, the club has made it clear that they will only allow other members of the squad to leave once a successor to Mauricio Pochettino has been chosen.

"Southampton can confirm that we have received multiple offers for some of our players in the past weeks," read an official statement. "This is a confirmation of the depth of the development that is ongoing in our academy and of the present standing of our first team within the Premier League.

"We are staying true to our plan and vision and, as a result, we have no need to accept any offers. We are deep in the process of appointing a new manager who will continue to move our club forward. It remains our preference not to partake in any transfers until the new manager is in place."

Michael Laudrup, Ronald Koeman and David Moyes are among the candidates to take charge at St Mary's Stadium for next season.