EXETER City may have lost out in the race to sign Scott Murray after Yeovil Town became the front-runners to secure his services.

The former Bristol City winger has held talks with Huish Park boss Terry Skiverton following his release by the Robins.

Yeovil made way for Murray this week by off-loading veteran Paul Warne, meaning they have a vacancy on the right wing, which the Scotsman could fill.

The Grecians are thought to be keen on signing the winger on a short-term deal. But he now looks set to join City's League One rivals after stating his intent to stay close to his home.

Southampton's woes have deepened as the Matt Le Tissier-fronted Pinnacle consortium pulled out of negotiations to buy the club yesterday.

Administrator Mark Fry had originally given the group a 21-day period of exclusivity to wrap up the deal.

But talks broke down after the Football League refused to grant the potential new owners any right to appeal the 10-point penalty — incurred after going into administration at the end of last season — which the St Marys club will begin their League One campaign with this year.

The latest crisis comes just days after Fry had warned that Southampton have until this Friday to find a new owner or face a winding up order.

Fry says he is in talks with two other groups in an attempt to agree terms before the club faces the prospect of going out of business.

He also stated that he is in talks with a Swiss consortium interested in buying the Saints.

Winger Matt Robson has left Hartlepool for League One rivals Carlisle.

The 24-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Cumbrian outfit after rejecting a new contract at Victoria Park.

The left-sided player made more than 150 appearances for Pools, scoring on 10 occasions.

Brighton have snapped up former Gillingham midfielder Andrew Crofts on a two-year contract.

Crofts was a free agent after being released by Gills boss Mark Stimson towards the end of last season.

The 25-year-old is a Wales international, having played 12 times for the national side.