MARIO Lemina has made it clear that he doesn't want to be at Saints next season.

Midfielder Lemina has been subject to enquiries from Manchester United, Arsenal and Leicester.

The Daily Echo reported yesterday that all three had fallen short of the club's valuation, but in an interview with France Football, the Gabon international admitted his desire to leave.

Lemina said: "I am physically preparing myself at the training centre, with a few other players including Charlie Austin and Jordy Clasie.

"I did not accompany the team in training in agreement with the coach. He wants to build his group with the players who want to stay at the club, so he left me out.

"As early as last year, I had set my conditions: I wanted to go elsewhere this summer.

"I had just decided to go to Southampton for two years, and see if I could take another step.

"We had agreed with the sports director. The injury arrived late December, it slowed me down, it’s a shame, but I do not want to go further with Southampton.

"I prefer that we stay on good terms, faithful to what we said."

The Gabon international joined Saints from Juventus back in 2017 for around £15m, although the fee could rise to £18m.

He has made 49 appearances for the St Mary's side, scoring just once from midfield.

Despite missing a large chunk of last season with a hernia injury, Lemina is hopeful of securing a transfer before Saints return from Austria.

And given the fact he has made his desire to leave public, he admitted: "there is no turning back".

Lemina added: "I’m not afraid, I made a choice and I take it to the end.

"I stand by my plan, I decided to tell the leaders that I wanted to leave, there is no turning back.

"There is a risk, of course, but I know what I’m capable of, I’m 100 per cent and I’m going to prove that I can get back to my best.

"Some clubs may be more cautious, but they already know me. Today, I am fully recovered, I worked a lot. I am ready to move on."

It was reported by The Times that the 25-year-old has been given permission to talk to Manchester United over a potential move.

The Old Trafford side are looking to strengthen their midfield after Ander Herrera joined French giants PSG.

And with Paul Pogba's future at the club up in the air, the Saints midfielder admitted he wants to play for another top side again.

He added: "I aspire to play in the biggest clubs, now we will see what is proposed.

"I had chosen to leave Juventus for Southampton to have more playing time, I got it.

"I made a good impression in England, I had good returns at a certain time, so I hope clubs will not have a short memory."