Southampton's executive chairman Nicola Cortese has criticised the Premier League's decision to impose wage and spending controls. The Saints latest figures show they can comfortably comply with the new financial regulations, but Italian banker Cortese insists owners should be allowed to run their clubs as they wish.

He said: "Our results also demonstrate we are already operating within the spirit of likely new Premier League financial regulations in respect of average profits and losses over three years.

"We believe very strongly that each club should continue to be permitted to run their business - including their pay rolls - as they see fit. This is fundamental to the future integrity of football."