Southampton release 12 players including ex-England star Adam Lallana after Premier League relegation
Two other big names will also leave St Mary's
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SOUTHAMPTON have made a ruthless end-of-season cull following their relegation to the Championship.
The south-coast side were relegated from the Premier League in April with SEVEN GAMES to spare.
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Southampton were relegated to the Championship with seven games to spare
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Saints have released 12 players, including Champions League winner Adam Lallana
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Dropping back to the second tier of English football will put some serious financial strain on the club.
And to cut costs, they have released 12 players - including former Liverpool star and England international Adam Lallana.
Youngsters Derrick Abu, Josh Lett, Josh McNamara and Lewis Payne have all been released from their respective contracts at St Mary's.
Scholars James Martin, Tevin Myers, Alfie Prescott, Ben Sheaf and Harry Upstell have also been moved on.
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Lallana, 37, isn't the only big name to depart the Saints this month.
Kyle Walker-Peters and Joe Lumley are also set to leave the club following the expiration of their respective contracts.
Lallana, however, could still be at St Mary's come the start of the Championship season in August.
The midfielder has been linked with a coaching role under new gaffer Will Still.
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Will Still has inked a three-year deal at Southampton
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Still, 32, inked a three-year deal with Saints last month to succeed Ivan Juric, who left the club after confirmation of their return to the Championship.
Still is relishing the challenge on his hands, saying: "There is huge potential here and we have a great opportunity to do something special.
Adam Lallana reflects on going back to his boyhood club Southampton
"The project that has been laid out to me is very impressive and, all together, I believe we can build a clear identity and a very positive future for the team.
"I'm eager to get to work this summer and start building a close-knit group that can make everyone proud and ultimately get us back to where we belong; in the Premier League."
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