Tahar El-Khalej is the third Southampton player to be released

Moroccan defender Tahar El-Khalej is the latest player to be released in Southampton's mid-season mini-clearout.

El-Khalej follows Ecuador skipper Kleber Chala and Latvian international Imants Bleidelis out of the St Mary's stadium door immedaitely.

Former �7m man Kevin Davies has also been told that his contract will not be renewed at the end of the season.

I don't know what I am going to do now. Maybe I will go home to Morocco Tahar El-Khalej

The 34-year-old El-Khalej won 99 caps for Morocco, and was signed for �350,000 from Benfica.

He made 65 first-team appearances for Saints, the last of which was against West Bromwich Albion last September.

El-Khalej said: "I don't know what I am going to do now. Maybe I will go home to Morocco.

"It is very sad to be going because I love the club, the city and the fans.

"I have had a very good time here," he told Southampton's official website.

"There have been some good results and some bad results, but I have enjoyed it all."

El-Khalej risked earning the nation's wrath when his reckless tackle threatened to put Kieron Dyer out of the World Cup in Newcastle's final game of last season at St Mary's.

Chala, who arrived with striker Agustin Delgado, has returned to Ecuador.

Bleidelis is hoping to land a contract with Danish club Viborg.