SAINTS outcast Florin Gardos has joined Romanian outfit Clubul Sportiv Universitatea Craiova on loan until the end of the season.

The centre-back's contract is up at the end of this campaign and he is unlikely now to return to St Mary's.

A Saints statement said: "Southampton defender Florin Gardos has completed a loan switch back to Romania until the end of the season.

"The defender, whose Southampton deal is due to come to an end in the summer, has joined Clubul Sportiv Universitatea Craiova.

"The Liga I side are third in the regular season standings in Romania, and have secured qualification for the championship round, which decides the title and European places.

"Everyone at Southampton wishes Florin well for the remainder of the season."

The Daily Echo reported recently that Gardos was free to negotiate a move away from Saints after nearly four years on the south coast.

Following the completion of his move, the 29-year-old wrote on Instagram: "After a stressful beginning of the year I’m happy to announce that I’ve reached an agreement with Romanian side Universitatea Craiova for a loan until the end of the season.

"Best of luck to my teammates for the rest of the season."