THE St Mary's future of Fitz Hall looks likely to be settled within the next 48 hours.

The classy centre-back is the subject of a £1.5m bid from Crystal Palace - but on Saturday he looked typically assured at the heart of Saints' defence in the 8-0 win over Asebro.

Saints are not commenting on any negotiations, but chairman Rupert Lowe is due in Sweden today and is expected to discuss the situation with Hall and manager Paul Sturrock.

For now, the 23-year-old insists that he remains fully focused on his preparations for the season.

He said: "Obviously it is always flattering to hear that sort of thing but unless told otherwise I am a Southampton player.

"I am concentrating on doing my best for the team and looking forward to the start of the season on August 14."

Hall was with Palace boss Iain Dowie at Oldham and the former Saints striker is a huge fan of the 23-year-old.

If Saints were to sell then it would arguably represent good business with a £1.25m profit in just a year. But that would have to be weighed up against the sense of selling such a promising young talent who greatly impressed for Saints in 11 appearances last season.

At present, Hall appears to only be fourth in the centre-back pecking order at Saints, although the current injury to Michael Svensson could improve his chances of establishing himself as a regular at the beginning of 2004/05.

Dowie bought Hall to Oldham in March 2002 from Ryman League side Chesham, where he had been converted from a centre forward to a centre half by Bob Dowie - Iain's brother and now director of football at Palace.

Bob Dowie told the Daily Echo after Hall's move to St Mary's last year that the young defender could be "the next Rio Ferdinand."

He said: "I've worked with Rio and Fitz can be better. I know that Iain believes he can go on and play for England."

At the time, Iain Dowie was said to be devastated at losing a player he felt was worth £2m.

It seems likely the final decision will rest with Hall, who will have to weigh up the near certainty of first-team football with Palace against staying and fighting for his place at an established Premiership club.

The Echo spoke to Bob Dowie over the weekend but he declined to comment while agent Frank Trimboli was unavailable for comment.