Joe Royle today confirmed Southampton's interest in highly-rated duo Darren Bent and Matt Richards.
But the Ipswich Town boss was quick to dismiss reports the pair could be on their way out of Portman Road.
Bent starred for the England Under-21's last night against Serbia and Montenegro, scoring the winning goal at Hull in a 3-2 scoreline.
Speculation has mounted that Saints are lining up a £3 million swoop for both him and Richards.
Other rumours have suggested Bent is a target of Newcastle United.
But Royle said: "Southampton have shown an interest in the two lads but we are certainly not interested in selling.
"As for Darren being linked with Newcastle, it's total fiction."
One name mentioned with a move to Portman Road is transfer-listed Grimsby keeper Danny Coyne.
Town are on the look-out for a new shotstopper after handing free transfers to Andy Marshall and James Pullen.
But Royle said: "We haven't made any overtures in that direction."
Published Tuesday, June 3, 2003
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