Saints boss Glenn Hoddle has played down reports that he is set to sign Rangers centre-back Colin Hendry.

However, he has confirmed that the former Blackburn stopper is the kind of player he might be interested in if fit.

The 34-year-old, out of favour at the Scottish club, has said he expects to be playing in the Premiership by the end of next week, probably on an initial three-month loan with a permanent move likely over the summer.

Watford, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby and West Ham have all been linked with the Scotland captain and yesterday Southampton and Coventry were added to the list.

Former Dell boss Dave Jones enquired about him during the summer but was put off by wages reckoned to be around £20,000 a week.

It is a natural link now with Saints short of experienced recognised cover, particularly since Hoddle favours a system of using three centre-backs.

The former England coach likes to keep his cards close to his chest regarding any transfer dealings preferring to wait until any business is complete before talking about it.

But he described the speculation as premature saying: "He is just one of six or seven players we are monitoring. That is all it is.

"There is certainly nothing happening at the moment. The lad has not played for three months but he is the sort I would be interested in if he was match fit.

"We are looking mainly at defenders at the moment but there are a couple in other positions too but there is nothing imminent."

Reserve team striker Dani Rodrigues has seen his hot streak rewarded with a call-up to the Portuguese Under-21 squad three weeks ahead of his 20th birthday.

After scoring in each of the last three reserve games he has been named in the party for next week's friendly against Belgium.

Hoddle said: "It is good news for him. He has done very well in the reserves and looks sharp."

However, Saints striker James Beattie has been left out of the England Under-21 squad to face Argentina at Fulham next week.

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