Southampton's players have hit the streets to sell a special edition of The Big Issue.

Nathan Redmond, Manolo Gabbiadini, Oriol Romeu and Florin Gardos joined forces with vendors to sell the famous paper in Winchester on Tuesday.

The Saints quartet all donned the Big Issue vests and tried to sell the special edition, which will be handed out at Saturday's Premier League opener with Swansea.

It is part of a special partnership between the two organisations, which will provide opportunities for vendors in the local community.

I could see how hard these guys have to work – they’re out in all weather," Nathan Redmond said.

Southampton stars joined Big Issue vendors (
Image:
@SouthamptonFC/Twitter)
Oriol Romeu (
Image:
@SouthamptonFC/Twitter)
Saints striker Gabbiadini (
Image:
@SouthamptonFC/Twitter)

"It’s not easy and I have huge respect for them. It was great to meet the guys and be involved in a partnership where two great organisations like Southampton and the Big Issue can achieve so much together.”

Vendor Lee Barnes added: "It’s been amazing to meet the players, and the day has been full of lots of handshakes and smiles.

"I have never sold as many Big Issues in such a short period of time. It’s been absolutely class."

As part of the project, vendors will be given the chance to enroll in an eight-week programme with Saints Foundation, which will hopefully provide them with placements across the club.