Southampton have confirmed that Japanese striker Tadanari Lee has been released by the club.

Lee moved to the club from Sanfrecce Hiroshima in January 2012 but he has failed to make an appearance in the Premier League for the club after helping the team win promotion.

A statement on the club's official website read: "A couple of injury setbacks, however, denied the Japanese forward from breaking into the team on a regular basis.

"Southampton Football Club thanks Lee for his services and wishes the forward well in his future career."

Lee has represented Japan 11 times in his career.