Despite a swap deal that took Graeme Le Saux to Southampton and Wayne Bridge to Stamford Bridge, the Saints may be looking at Matt Richards as a long term replacement.

Matt recently signed a long contract to keep him at Town till 2006 but that's not likely to deter Graham Strachan who enquired about Richards and Darren Bent in June.

Joe Royle was defiant he'd not lose the youngster saying, “we are well aware of Southampton's interest but they are wasting their time as Matt is someone I want to keep.”

The Saints are also reportedly looking at Paul Konchesky and Cyril Rool from Lens but may see the Town man as a cheaper alternative due to our financial problems.

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