Southampton's official website seems to be taking a lack of comment from Gordon Strachan on his rumoured interest in Town pair Matt Richards and Darren Bent as an indication that the link is genuine.

Reports over the weekend claimed the Saints' boss is keen to take the youngsters to the south coast for a joint fee of £3 million.

His club's official site has been unable to get a quote from anyone regarding the story which they appear to imply is significant: "Saints have not confirmed or denied Sunday newspaper reports that any deal could reach as much as £3m, although the Suffolk club are said to want more."

Town would prefer not to sell any of their youngsters over the summer, however it is clear that there is a need for sales. Should there prove a lack of interest in more established, higher-paid players like Matt Holland, Marcus Bent, Andy Marshall and Martijn Reuser, the Blues could be forced to cash-in on Bent and Richards.

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