SAINTS would have to fork out sizeable compensation if they want to replace Gordon Strachan with one of his former Scottish international World Cup colleague, writes Simon Carter.

Paul Sturrock has been linked with Saints after masterminding Plymouth Argyle's remarkable transformation in the last three years.

Sturrock - who won 20 Scottish caps while playing for Dundee United in the 1980s alongside Strachan - took over a club 21st in the Third Division in October 2000. He led them to the championship in 2001/02 and today they sit proudly on top of the Second Division. During that time, he has spent only £80,000.

Sturrock's name is being linked to the impending St Mary's vacancy as Saints chairman Rupert Lowe has a history of delving into the Nationwide League to find a manager.

Lowe went to Stockport, then a high-flying Second Division club who had just reached the League Cup semi-finals, to sweet-talk Dave Jones into replacing Graeme Souness in 1997.

Sturrock signed a four-and-a-half-year contract extension - taking his current deal to June 2008 - only last month. He said at the time it would "end media speculation" as to his future after being linked with the Leeds and Crystal Palace vacancies. He also turned down the Watford job in the summer of 2002.

But a Home Park source said: "The speculation certainly won't end at all.

"It would take a good offer to Paul to force him to leave Plymouth - his family are settled in the area and he's said he wants to take Plymouth into the First Division.

"But he is ambitious and if a club like Southampton came calling I'm sure he'd have to be interested.

"I think one of the reasons Argyle offered him a longer contract was to guarantee themselves quite a bit of compensation if he did leave.

"But Southampton would also have to offer Paul a good deal - you don't sign a four-and-a-half-year extension if you're not being offered good money.

"He is certainly one of the best up-and-coming managers outside the Premiership.

"I know Paul Jewell has done well at Wigan but he's based in the north west where there's a lot of clubs and he's had a lot of money to spend.

"Paul is based in the west country and hardly had any money to spend.

"Plymouth will say Paul is happy as he's just signed a long contract and wants to take them up again.

"But any interest from Southampton might well interest Paul a lot.

"I'm not surprised he's being linked with Premiership clubs - he deserves to be."

Worthington won't walk out... just yet

Sources in Norwich believe that Nigel Worthington would be unlikely to walk out on the Canaries for the Saints job while they still have a good chance of promotion.

Worthington was installed by internet betting firm Blue Square as the fourth favourite to take over from Gordon Strachan. but he is under contract at Norwich until June 2006.

While it is thought a move to a club such as Saints would appeal, Worthington is seen to be loyal to Norwich, currently top of Division One, and wants to lead them into the Premiership next season.

A source said: "I think Southampton are probably one of Nigel's ideal next moves - from a distance I'd say he's also probably one of Rupert Lowe's ideal candidates. But as long as Norwich keep heading in the right direction then I think he'll stay - he'll give it a go as the next Alan Curbishley."