JASON Puncheon is on his way back to Saints after being relegated from the Premier League with Blackpool.

But the midfielder’s return is expected to be short-lived, with the player and club each wishing to part company this summer.

Puncheon, pictured, finished the campaign on-loan at Blackpool, after falling out of favour under Saints manager Nigel Adkins.

He was in the starting line-up at Manchester United on Sunday, as Ian Holloway’s men suffered a 4-2 defeat that condemned them to the Championship.

But, with his Bloomfield Road loan spell at an end, Puncheon now has to return to St Mary’s.

The 24-year-old, who is under contract until 2013, is understood to be hopeful of securing a permanent move away from Saints this summer, though.

And his obvious unpopularity with Adkins means the club will be happy to cash in on him, especially as his value is about as high as it is ever likely to reach at Saints.

Glasgow Rangers have been confirmed as one team keen on securing his signature, while Bolton and Everton are reportedly tracking him too.

And former Saints boss Alan Pardew, now in charge at Newcastle, retains an interest in recapturing the player he brought to St Mary’s.

Full story in today's Daily Echo