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Boruc eyeing St. Mary's exit door

Artur Boruc will not be involved for Southampton in the lead-up to deadline day, as the Polish stopper prepares himself for a departure.

Koeman accepts that Boruc wants to leave Saints
Koeman accepts that Boruc wants to leave Saints
Alex Livesey

Fraser Forster's arrival in Southampton always brought questions marks about the future of then-current goalkeeping incumbent Artur Boruc.

Boruc had been a mainstay in the side since first nailing down the spot at the back end of the 2012/13 season, making himself a cult figure with supporters.

But the arrival of Forster, especially at the reported price of £10m, prompted thoughts as to the future of Artur Boruc - and whether it truly remained at St. Mary's.

According to the manager, Ronald Koeman, the Polish goalkeeper has told the club that he wishes to depart this window, with Koeman making it clear that he didn't spend £10m on an England international goalkeeper to warm the bench.

While a flurry of perhaps slightly cloak-and-dagger Instagram posts from Boruc had prepared fans for the news, Koeman appeared relaxed and calm about the situation with Boruc, acknowledging the former Celtic man's wish to head for pastures new.

"I have spoken to him and said, 'I know you want to move.' That is normal."

Boruc had been conspicuous in his absence from footage of the first team training ahead of their Liverpool, and his absence became all the more prominent when Kelvin Davis was named on the Saints bench at Anfield.

Koeman has since explained the situation with regard to team selection, following Boruc's admission that he'd like to leave Southampton.

"Artur is training as before, but until deadline day he will not be involved in the team," Koeman added.

"After that we will see what the situation is. We will see what is best for Artur and best for the club. I want people who want to play for the club and it is clear Artur feels he should be in the team."

No move appears imminent for Boruc, but should he leave the club before deadline day - it plunges Saints back into the undesirable scenario of having to call on either Paulo Gazzaniga or club veteran Kelvin Davis in the event of injury or suspension ruling out Fraser Forster.