Nigel Martyn is poised for a move to Southammpton after being informed that he was no longer automatic first choice keeper at Leeds.

Southampton are prepared to pay œ2 million for the 36-year-old England keeper.

Martyn appears to have lost the United number one jersey following his reluctance to travel to Australia and the Far East for Leeds’ pre-season tour. The keeper cited fatigue due toi his involvement in England’s Worlld Cup campaign.

New Leeds boss Terry Venables admitted on the eve of the new season that Martyn could no longer be guaranteed his first-team place.

”It can be very deadly being a goalkeeper because once you are out of the team you can be out for a long time,’ said Venables. ‘I will pick my No 1 on the basis of pre-season games and training.

Robinson has been preferred in all the competitive games to date while Martyn has been relegated to the reserve team. Further incentive to sell comes from Leeds’ precarious financial position. Despite selling Rio Ferdnand to Manchester United for £30 million, the club are keen to reduce the club’s wage bill.

Saints manager Gordon Strachan is eager to introduce competition between the sticks after the club’s keepers Paul Jones and Neil Moss conceding 54 goals between them last season.