RUPERT LOWE has slammed reports sug-gesting Saints are lining up Glenn Hoddle as a possible replacement for Dave Jones.

A national newspaper suggested that Saints would turn to the former England coach following a supposed bust-up between Jones and the chairman over the recent move for Bulgarian midfielder Milen Petkov which fell through because of problems over a work permit.

But Lowe hit back saying: "There is absolutely no truth in it. The story is so far wide of the mark it doesn't even deserve a comment.

"We have not had a bust up at all - literally not at all and I would say if we had. We have certainly not sounded out Glenn Hoddle and we have no plans to replace Dave Jones.

"There would be no logic standing by him through last season and then making a change now with the players reporting back for pre-season training tomorrow. That would be a very odd decision.

"We have a good staff and a very good relationship and I believe we have an exciting season ahead.

"It's just a storm in a tea-cup," added Lowe. Saints boss Dave Jones was furious at the reports which he described as nothing more than mischief-making.

He said: "Whoever is spreading this rumour has not got the guts to come forward but it is not true. I've not walked out of the club and I've not got a problem with the chairman.

"There was a work permit problem with the player who had only played 57 per cent of internationals instead of the required 75 per cent.

"Whoever has put this story about must have their reasons for doing it but I'm getting used to fabrications at the moment."

Chelsea are reported to be stepping up their interest in Ken Monkou who has turned down a one-year deal at The Dell to become a Bosman free transfer.

Gianluca Vialli sees the Stamford Bridge old boy as a possible replacement for Michael Duberry who looks set for a £4.5 million switch to Leeds. And Bradford City are set to unveil Leeds defender and Saints target David Wetherall as their new £2million signing today.

Wetherall, who has played almost 250 games for Leeds, turned down a move to The Dell earlier in the week because his heavily pregnant wife was reluctant to move south. He is expected to sign a four-year contract with the Premiership newcomers. Bradford boss Paul Jewell has been tracking Wetherall since last month when it became clear the player was unsettled because of his limited number of first team chances last season.

His first-team chances would be even more limited if David O'Leary does land Duberry with Vialli needing to sell to raise funds for new signings.

He is thought to see Monkou as experienced back-up for Frank Leboeuf, Marcel Desailly and new capture Mario Malchiot.

Chelsea are said to be ready to pay around £4,000 per week but that would substantially increase with bonuses if they are successful.

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