SOUTHAMPTON have told Premiership rivals Blackburn Rovers: "Matthew Le Tissier is not for sale."

Several reports say Rovers have emerged as favourites to land the unsettled England striker.

But with Le Tissier due to have contract talks with the new Southampton board this week, the player could be using the speculation to negotiate a more lucrative deal at The Dell.

Rovers chairman Rob Coar said: "It seems like the national newspapers have nothing to write about again.

"There are one or two things going on at the moment but there is simply nothing in the story. We've made no bid for Matthew Le Tissier.

"Southampton haven't even got a manager at the moment so it is pretty unlikley they are going to do business in the transfer market."

A reliable source in Southampton said: "Matthew has a year of his contract still to run and the new board of directors are sitting down with him on Thursday to discuss a three-year deal.

"Everybody at Southampton is expecting Matthew Le Tissier to sign. In fact, if the board thought about selling him there would be a revolution down here.

"The message is clear: Matthew Le Tissier is not for sale."

Manager Roy Hodgson made his first major signing when he landed Stephane Henchoz from Hamburg for £3 million.

Rovers have agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old. and the deal should be finalised later this month when the necessary red tape is completed.

And there are certain to be further new signings as Hodgson plays the continental transfer market before his arrival in Blackburn. Another Swiss player, Ciri Sforza, the midfield playmaker at Inter Milan, continues to be mentioned as a likely target.

And reports in France today linked Roy Hodgson with Bastia left back Patrick Valery.

The 28-year-old is a fast aggressive player and was the most booked player in the French First Division last year with 17 yellow cards.

With Graeme Le Saux's future undecided, it is possible Hodgson may be looking to strengthen that part of his squad.

But Valery, who spent several seasons with Monaco before a short on-loan period with Toulouse, has not played for his country.

And it is likely Hodgson has bigger fish to fry as he steps up his Ewood preparations for the Premiership season.

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