Saints will continue with aap3 as headline sponsors for another season after it was agreed that a break clause in their contract would not be activated.

The club struck a three-year deal with the IT and business solutions company, which has its international headquarters in Southampton, in 2011, following their promotion from League One into the Championship.

But it is understood there was an opportunity for that to be ended 12 months early.

After discussions, a decision was taken not to do that, with the aap3 logo appearing on the front of the new home and away kits unveiled by Saints yesterday.

It is understood, though, that the club will encourage potential new sponsors to compete for the next contract, when their agreement with aap3 expires, with chairman Nicola Cortese looking to secure a larger financial deal.

Rod Jackson, the president and chief executive of aap3, said: “We’re delighted to be continuing as main club sponsor of Saints for the 2013/2014 Premier League campaign.

“Everyone at aap3 is proud to be supporting the team and the city as a whole, which is where we have our roots.

“The team did fantastically well last season, and we have been cheering them on every step of the way.

“We are certain that Saints can continue the success this season and maintain their position in the top-flight, and on behalf of everyone at aap3 we would like to wish Nicola Cortese, Mauricio Pochettino, the team, fans, and everyone at the club the very best for the 2013/14 season.”

Saints announced their latest kits yesterday, revealing a home shirt that is all red, bar a few flashes of white on the sleeves and neck. The launch was undermined somewhat after a picture had leaked out on the internet a day early.

The top, based on a standard adidas template, is coupled with red shorts, and red-and-white hooped socks.

The away strip consists of a mainly black top, again a white ‘V’ marking around the neck, with white shorts and black socks.