[Mighty T.A.L.]

Burley aims to keep trio

Southampton have offered new deals to Leon Best, Martin Cranie and Feliciano Condessa, but five other out-of-contract players have not been retained.

Best and Cranie both impressed Saints manager George Burley towards the end of the season after returning from loan spells at Yeovil, and are in negotiations over new deals.

"We have been talking with Leon over the last few months and are very hopeful of agreeing something soon," Burley told the club's official website.

"He did very well when he came back from loan at Yeovil, where he got a lot of experience and pushed on strongly.

"Martin Cranie also went on loan to Yeovil. We have been working hard to try and get a deal agreed and hopefully he will sign.

"He has not been able to tie down a regular place here but he came in for the play-off game at Derby and did very well."

Condessa has been on loan at Villarreal and is expected to choose to stay in Spain.

Veteran goalkeeper Kevin Miller, midfielder David Prutton and defender Sean Rudd have all been told they are free to leave St Mary's.

38-year-old Miller has not featured for Saints this season, while Rudd has been plagued by injuries and is seeking a fresh start.

Prutton has been on loan at Nottingham Forest since the turn of the year and seems set to earn a permanent contract with the League One side.

Djamel Belmadi and Michael Svensson, meanwhile, have so far not been included on the retained list submitted to the Football League.

Burley is still weighing up the situation with midfielder Belmadi and defender Svensson, who needs major knee surgery and is set to be sidelined for at least another year.

Source: Skysports