Saints have avoided the need for a tribunal by agreeing a fee with Crystal Palace for Nathaniel Clyne.

Palace had accused Saints of 'taking the mick' with their offer for the right back, and it seemed set that an independent panel would decide on the compensation to be paid.

However, the clubs have now reached an agreement on a fee, believed to be around £2m.

Meanwhile, the club's academy has been awarded Category One status as part of the new Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).