SAINTS are set to feel the repercussions of the Brexit - although the full impact of the Leave vote is yet to become fully apparent to the Premier League.

All 20 top-flight clubs announced their support alongside the Premier League leadership to the Remain vote, with fears that an exit would have implications on incoming transfers of foreign players as well as the league's reputation.

However, after Britain voted to exit the European Union, football is preparing to face new challenges - and barriers - with it set to become harder to raid, as is so popular, European leagues for talent in the transfer market.

In a statement, a Premier League spokesman said: "The Premier League is a hugely successful sporting competition that has strong domestic and global appeal. This will continue to be the case regardless of the referendum result.

"Given the uncertain nature of what the political and regulatory landscape might be following the 'Leave' vote, there is little point second-guessing the implications until there is greater clarity.

"Clearly, we will continue to work with Government and other bodies whatever the outcome of any process."

It comes just days after Richard Scudamore, executive chairman of the Premier League, said opposition to the EU would be "incongruous" in the context of the league's commitment to "openness".

Saints were unavailable for comment on the issue.

While Britain remained in the European Union, players with EU passports were able to freely join clubs, with those without having to meet stringent Home Office rules to gain a work permit.

None of the 432 European stars registered to play in England have to leave after the exit, but if current visa rules continue clubs like Saints will struggle to recruit players unless they are established internationals.

Italian striker Graziano Pelle and Portuguese club captain Jose Fonte may not have got their chance as they were not internationals when they moved to England.

The Premier League generated £3.3bn of revenue last season, according to a review by Deloitte, and boasts worldwide television contracts worth £8.3bn.

Saints legend Matthew Le Tissier took a forthright view on the public moaning about Brexit.

He Tweeted: "Decision has been made by the majority. get on with it and do our best to make it work rather than throwing toys out of pram and blaming!"

Later,he added: "Maybe the next referendum we'll just get given pros & cons and let people decide rather than chasing celeb endorsement and scaremongering."

Meanwhile, Greg Dyke, chairman of the Football Association, told the Press Association that it was "too early" to know the impact of leaving the EU.

"It could take two years to really know, but there could be quite an impact on English football because of Brexit," he said.

"It would be a shame if some of the great European players can't come here but I don't think that will happen. Whether the total number reduces will depend on the terms of the exit.

"My personal view has always been that the decline in the number of English players in Premier League first teams - we're down to about 30 per cent now - is a shame.

If it increases the number of English players, that is to be welcomed. But you don't want to lose the best European players coming here."