Tadanari Lee rejects FC Tokyo move

Southampton striker Tadanari Lee has rejected the chance to join FC Tokyo on a permanent deal this summer.

The 27-year-old, who spent last season on loan at the Japanese outfit, will now return to Southampton ahead of the new Premier League season.

"I felt like I was only playing in fits and starts and thought a different challenge would be better for me," Lee told reporters at a press conference.

"Maybe it was a case of me not being good enough. I spoke to the coach and we tried to work something out."

Lee joined Southampton from Sanfrecce Hiroshima in January 2012.