SAINTS have been told they will have to stump up serious money if they want Jason Euell or Andy Reid.

It is understood that Saints has made enquiries about the two attacking midfielders, but that the asking prices could prove to be a problem.

Euell's representative Tony Finnigan last night ruled out a loan deal for his player and predicted Saints would have to offer the estimated £3m it might take to prise him from Charlton.

Saints enquired about a loan deal for Euell, which was knocked back by Charlton who would prefer an outright sale for the player.

Finnigan stressed that 27-year-old Euell - Charlton's record signing at £4.75m - wanted regular first-team football and hinted that he might be interested in a move to Saints if a fee could be agreed between the two clubs.

Euell, who can play as a striker or an attacking-midfielder, has struggled to get into the Charlton side over the past few months despite being the club's top-scorer in recent seasons.

He has only been a substitute in recent months.

Euell signed a new two-and-a-half year contract last summer, but is now frustrated at his lack of first-team action.

"Charlton hold Jason's registration," said Finnigan.

"If a club makes a bid and it is accepted then they would have permission to speak to Jason.

"If that happened of course we would speak to Southampton. Players do well with Harry Redknapp, but we will have to wait and see what happens.

"From Jason's point of view, he just wants to play football."

Tottenham, meanwhile, are looking favourites to sign Nottingham Forest winger Reid.

Saints made a preliminary enquiry about the richly-talented Dubliner, but did not value the player as highly as Forest's £4.5m asking fee.

Tottenham, though, are thought to be ready to meet that price. The North Londoners have tracked Reid during the past year and have already had a bid turned down.

Reid has been a regular for Forest this season and has established himself as a Republic of Ireland international.

He has been at Forest since signing as a schoolboy and is rated among the best players outside of the Premiership.

Both Saints and Reid's representatives SFX yesterday refused to comment on speculation linking the player with a move to St Mary's.

Redknapp has said he wants another three players to help Saints' relegation battle after bringing in son Jamie and Calum Davenport last week.

The Saints boss is looking for established Premiership players, but admits it is difficult to find the right players and then convince them to join Saints.

He has around £4.5m available from the sale of James Beattie to Everton.