MANAGER Russell Martin insisted that no player has "refused to play" for Saints during pre-season.

The likes of Kyle Walker-Peters, Paul Onuachu and Armel Bella-Kotchap are yet to feature during pre-season despite being regulars in training.

All three have an uncertain future at the club. Onuachu and Bella-Kotchap are drawing interest, while Kyle Walker-Peters is in the final 12 months of his contract.

Saints are unwilling to allow the former England international to leave on a free and will only sell him if his valuation is met.

Martin has outlined that Saints would ideally off-load players before they make further moves in the transfer market, but they are still in a position to push for "time-sensitive" deals.

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Russell Martin is looking forward to the challenge of the Premier LeagueRussell Martin is looking forward to the challenge of the Premier League (Image: PA)

Asked by the Daily Echo if Walker-Peters and co will feature while their futures are still uncertain, Martin admitted he expects to have a conversation with the players in the coming days.

He said: "It's just really difficult for some players to have a lot of speculation and then to really concentrate.

"You know, people don't want to get injured. No one is refusing to play, but I think it's a conversation we've had.

"But to be honest, the longer it goes and the closer we get to the season, they are going to have a choice to make because they can help us on the pitch. I'm sure that conversation will happen in the next few days."