Houllier dismisses Fernandes link

Last updated : 24 January 2003 By FootyMAD
Reports today claimed that Southampton's French star is on Houllier's wish-list, but the Liverpool boss insists there is nothing in the rumours.

He said: "I have been linked with four or five players in the papers this morning. That's quite good for a manager who has said he won't be signing anybody before January 31st.

"At this time of year agents get more and more involved. I understand that and it's part and parcel of football."

The reports also stated that Fernandes has a clause in his Saints contract that would allow him to talk to any club that is willing to pay two-and-a-half million pounds or more for him, fuelling speculation that the reports were serious.

However, Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe said: "We have not had any formal offers for any of our players. We have had no contact from Liverpool about Fernandes and no eqnuiries about James Beattie or Wayne Bridge or anyone else.

"Fernandes is under contract, he is a Southampton player and no amount of press speculation will change that.

"Our players are not for sale. Ultimately if people want to buy something which is not for sale it proves a very expensive business so clubs would be better off looking elsewhere!"