SAINTS manager Russell Martin left the door open to an Armel Bella-Kotchap exit, despite the defender's return to the pitch at Cardiff City.

Bella-Kotchap, 22, came off the bench and impressed in his 30 minutes of the 5-3 win over the Welsh side in the Carabao Cup second round.

The German international had been back in his native country trying to conclude a permanent transfer away from Saints this month.

Bella-Kotchap remains at Saints despite interest following the collapse of a move to Hoffenheim - which saw information about his medical history leaked.

Martin insisted his return to action showed the world he is healthy but admitted he does not know where his future lies. 

Martin told the Daily Echo: "I think we have five centre-halves, I think he's obviously the sixth one, which is not ideal for him.

"I thought he did great when he came on tonight but I think, hopefully, it's shown the world that he is fine and he's been training, he's fit and he can play.

"Honestly, I'm still so annoyed and angry at that lazy journalism over in Germany and I thought it was lacking context. Nonsensical, actually.

"I'm really furious about it because Armel's fine - so we'll see. He's shown everyone he's fit and he played to a really good level when he came on the pitch.

"We'll see where he ends up as he has got a lot of interest, I'm sure. We'll see." 

The summer transfer window does not close in England until 11pm on Friday, August 30, with a late exit for Bella-Kotchap not ruled out.