Sutton United chairman Bruce Elliott has confirmed the club will entertain Premier League new boys Southampton will fit a trip to Gander Green Lane in to their pre-season schedule.

The Saints will take on boss Paul Doswell's men - who beat fierce rivals Carshalton Athletic 2-0 on Saturday - on Thursday night as count down to the Bluer Square South season continues. 

And Elliott admitted bringing Nigel Adkins' side to Sutton was the culmination of a summer of hard graft.

"We've been trying very hard to get a top flight club to come down this summer," said Elliott.

 "We have been in talks with Southampton for a long time but, naturally, having won promotion last season they had plenty of other things on their plate.

"We are extremely pleased and grateful that they have found time to fit us into their busy schedule.

"We look forward to a good evening of our own in what will surely be one of the greatest weeks in the history of British sport."