SAINTS have announced that Belgian champions Anderlecht will replace Rangers in this summer's Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup.

The club said the switch was "due to the well-publicised circumstances surrounding the Scottish side."

The three-team tournament, which takes place at St Mary's on July 14, is also set to feature Premier League side Arsenal.

In a statement on their website, Saints also added: "The decision has not been made lightly and has been reached with the integrity of the competition in mind, ensuring that the annual event will remain an extremely competitive experience with both Arsenal and Anderlecht bringing along a first team squad."

Meanwhile, Rangers captain Steven Davis, who is attracting interest from Saints, joined the exodus from Ibrox tonight.

The midfielder is one of another four players to have officially objected to the transfer of their contract to the 'newco' Rangers.

While the club have already indicated they will challenge any such action from squad members, the move means Davis could be available for nothing.