The departures from Saints this summer are unlikely to end with the announcement of this year’s released list.

The club are set to reduce their squad even further in order to make room for new signings in Mauricio Pochettino’s 25-man squad list for 2013/14.

It was confirmed this week that eight out-of-contract players are to be let go – including defenders Frazer Richardson, Danny Butterfield, Dan Seaborne and Ryan Dickson.

More will almost certainly follow before the transfer window closes, either by virtue of being sold or loaned out.

Saints will again need to confirm their 25-man squad list to the Premier League in early September.

And, even with the departures already announced, there are some at St Mary’s who will not make the cut.

As it stands, including the players who have returned from loan spells elsewhere, there are still 26 players who could potentially take up a place before Pochettino brings in a single new face this summer.

Some of those will have to make way for the signings that Saints intend to make in the next three months, with a summer of ambitious recruitment planned.

It will be simple enough for Saints to accommodate any new arrivals, as there are a host of names who are unlikely to be considered for a part in the next campaign.

Players such as Tadanari Lee, Jonathan Forte, Lee Barnard, Steve De Ridder and Aaron Martin were shipped out on loan for at least part of last season.

They are unlikely to find a route back into the team.

All of those are due to be out of contract in 2014, meaning they will retain little, if any, transfer value beyond this summer.

More established names, such as Billy Sharp, Richard Chaplow and Dean Hammond may warrant greater debate, but each was also farmed out elsewhere and could again be offered up to other sides – either on a permanent or temporary basis.

Hammond, who has a year left on his deal, could land at Brighton, where he spent last season on loan, although he may need to wait until the uncertain managerial situation at the Amex Stadium is resolved before a decision is taken on his future.

Sharp, under contract until 2015, is soon set for talks with Mauricio Pochettino about his situation.

But, with Saints understood to be looking for a new striker this summer, chances would appear to be even more limited for him.

Players classified as being under-21 do not count towards the 25-man list, meaning the likes of Luke Shaw, James Ward-Prowse and Paulo Gazzaniga will not take up a space.

Nathaniel Clyne did not count last season, but will now be classified as an over-21 player and must be added.

Clyne is one of just seven defenders, and the only natural right-back, currently on the books who regularly feature in the first-team.

Beyond him are Maya Yoshida, José Fonte, Jos Hooiveld, Vegard Forren, Shaw and Danny Fox.

As reported in The Daily Echo earlier in the week, defence is one area Saints are particularly keen to strengthen this summer.

They should have plenty of room to do so.