Saints have had no contact from Tottenham about their head of recruitment, Paul Mitchell, with Spurs reportedly keen to employ him.

Mitchell appears to be wanted by Daniel Levy, the chairman at White Hart Lane, to help improve the London club’s record in the transfer market.

Saints do not wish to lose the 33-year-old, who oversees the recruitment and analysis department at the club, and, as yet, have not heard anything from Tottenham – although it would come as no surprise if he is indeed wanted by them.

Mitchell, who has been at St Mary’s for three years now, has earned a blossoming reputation in that time.

Along with his staff, the former Wigan and MK Dons player helps identify and assess transfer targets for the club.

Mitchell and his department played an important role in helping executive director Les Reed and manager Ronald Koeman with the rebuilding job that took place last summer.

Mitchell is well known by Mauricio Pochettino, the former Saints manager who is now in charge of Spurs, having worked closely with him during his time with the club.