RUPERT LOWE today dismissed suggestions that Jo Tessem and Paul Jones could be heading for the St Mary's exit door.

The Saints chairman insists he has received no offers to buy either player when the mid-season transfer window opens in January.

He said: "There have been absolutely no approaches I am aware of - and they would have to come across my desk."

Both Jones and Tessem are former first-team regulars who have struggled to find a regular place in Gordon Strachan's starting line-up this season.

Welsh international Jones, 35, has made 203 league and cup appearances for Saints since signing five years ago, but has watched new Finnish signing Antti Niemi make the goalkeeper's jersey his own in recent weeks.

Earlier this week Jones, who kept a clean sheet in Wales' 2-0 win against Azerbaijan yesterday, admitted he may look to leave if he fails to win back his first-team place.

He said: "I have two-and-a-half seasons left on my contract, but it's not about money, it's about playing football."

Tessem, 30, had reportedly been approached by Age Hareide, the manager of Norwegian champions Rosenborg.

Although Saints are currently in a relatively strong financial position, Lowe also played down talk of splashing out on players in the New Year.

"Nearer to the transfer-window, Gordon (Strachan) and I will sit down and assess the situation," he said.

"If it is appropriate we will, as ever, look to strengthen the squad."

Saints fear they will eventually lose Andrey Pereplyotkin after the highly promising Russian youngster had his work permit application turned down by the Home Office.

The 17-year-old forward can continue to play for the academy, but is barred from making the step up to reserve or first-team matches.

Lowe has consistently called for work permit regulations to be relaxed and is angry that English clubs can be disadvantaged when trying to sign the best foreign talent.

He said: "We have attempted to get a work permit for him, but it has been refused, so he is unable to play in front of paying crowds.

"That only leaves the academy and, as things stand, it does not look good.

"He is a very gifted young player and it is a real waste of a great asset.

"The current rules are extremely strict and it's extraordinary to legislate against someone who is successful - but that is exactly what they are doing.

"As with the standing issue, the Gov-ernment is not interested in even debating it, but he is still young, so he can stay on at the academy for now and we will just have to see if we can explore any other avenues."