Footballers arrested in thefts probe

Two Southampton players were arrested on Tuesday in connection with an alleged theft from bags in a staff room at a nightclub.

Bradley Wright-Phillips, 23, and Nathan Dyer, 20, were taken in for questioning over the allegation of burglaries at the Bar Bluu nightclub in Southsea, Hampshire.

A spokesman for Hampshire police said: "We can confirm that two men, aged 20 and 23, have been arrested in connection with an allegation of burglary."

Hampshire police launched an investigation after two men were filmed on CCTV entering an unlocked staff room in the early hours of February 28.

Staff at the venue, which that night hosted R&B star Kano, later reported three mobile phones, £145 in cash, student cards and cigarettes stolen from three handbags.

A Southampton Football Club spokesman said: "It's a matter of police investigation and we cannot comment."

Meanwhile, Southampton defender Claus Lundekvam has retired from the game after losing his battle with a long-standing ankle injury.

The 35-year-old underwent surgery on his ankle tendon last week and had hoped to train with the Saints' first team this month in a bid to return to action before the end of the season, but the Norwegian international, who made over 400 appearances in a 12-year stint on the south coast, has now admitted defeat in his battle to regain match fitness.

He told BBC Radio Solent: "That's it for me, it's game over. It's very sad, but it hasn't really sunk in yet."

He added: "It's very difficult to come to terms with. Maybe once the season is finished and the players have gone I'll find it hard to deal with."