By Andy Sims, Press Association Sport

Saints could yet be saved

Administrators in charge of Southampton remain hopeful of selling the stricken club despite the withdrawal of the Matt Le Tissier-backed Pinnacle consortium.

Pinnacle, who planned to install legendary ex-Saints player Le Tissier as chairman, today pulled out of the running to take over at St Mary's to leave the club in grave danger of going to the wall.

Joint administrator Mark Fry said last week he may have to begin winding up Southampton on Friday if a buyer is not found. However, yesterday's sale of striker David McGoldrick to Nottingham Forest, for an estimated £1million, means wages can again be paid and has given Saints a stay of execution, albeit a brief one.

Two overseas consortia, one believed to be Swiss, are still in the running to save the club - but time is running out.

A statement from administrators Begbies Traynor read: "We remain hopeful that a sale of the football club will be completed within a very short period of time.

"As we have made very clear we are working to a very short timeframe, but wish to reassure everybody with an interest in Southampton Football Club that we are working round the clock to try to ensure the survival of the club."