HASSAN KACHLOUL is waiting to hear what Saints have to offer before resolving his unsettled future at The Dell.

With his current deal due to expire in June, the popular Moroccan has reportedly become a major target for Ipswich, Tottenham and Coventry.

But Kachloul is enjoying life in Southampton and has not ruled out staying at the club which gave him his chance in English football.

His agent was opening talks at The Dell today and Kachloul has pledged not rush into any decisions.

He said: "The newspapers have mentioned there are other clubs interested in signing me. That's true, but I am concentrating on my negotiations with Southampton first and foremost and I hope that a new deal can be agreed.

"I like it here and I want to hear what they will offer me before I decide what to do. But it is not true that I have already been offered a one-year extension - my agent only begins discussing any new contract with the club today.

"I can't really say much more until I hear whether they want me to stay."

If Saints cannot persuade Kachloul to stay now, then they may try to cash in on him before he becomes a free agent at the end of the season.

Ipswich had a £1.8 million bid accepted at the start of the season and have never dropped their interest.

They enquired again after last month's 3-1 defeat Portman Road and are believed to have been back this week.

But they face competition from Coventry, who have two of Kachloul's close friends at Highfield Road in Mustaffa Hadji and Youssef Chippo.

They believe a third Moroccan would help persuade their African jewels to stay but, with the Sky Blues fighting relegation, Kachloul would surely see it as a backward step.

Tottenham are also understood to be keen, although Saints would certainly not sell to them ahead of Saturday's clash at White Hart Lane.

Although Kachloul's value would normally drop the closer he gets to being a free agent, interest from three desperate clubs could push it up at auction.

Ipswich are said to be sticking close to their original valuation and all three potential bidders would probably pay £20,000 a week to the 27-year-old midfielder signed by Dave Jones on a free transfer just over two years ago.

Having reached their pre-season safety target of 40 points the Tractor Boys are keen to strengthen for a surprise push for Europe.

They have £3 million to spend from the sale of David Johnson to Nottingham Forest and have confirmed they are in for an unnamed Premiership player.

Manager George Burley said: "I will not disclose which player or which club, purely that we have put a bid in to a Premiership club.

"We have been watching this player for some time and I firmly believe that he can add to the quality of what is a very talented and professional squad."

* Saints have still not received a date for Kachloul's appearance at the FA after he was charged with misconduct for allegedly aiming a headbutt at Lee Bowyer after being sent off against Leeds last month.

He has requested a personal hearing and the club expect to hear back from Soho any day now.