SAINTS have begun talks with the agents of both James Beattie and Hassan Kachloul whose contracts are up at the end of the season.

Beattie's current deal has 18 months to run but the club are keen to sign him up long-term after a scorching run of 10 goals in the last 11 games.

Chairman Rupert Lowe confirmed he had opened talks with the players' agents and said: "Contracts are constantly under review.

"Our primary objective is to secure our Premier League status and once we have done that then we will be able to consider contracts with more security."

Lowe has also played down rumours linking boss Glenn Hoddle with a move to Tottenham Hotspur where manager George Graham is coming under increasing pressure.

He said: "Glenn is under contract to Southampton Football Club and so I am not even thinking about what is being said in the media.

"We certainly don't want him to go. It is only a couple of months since we extended his contract, which is an indication of just the reverse.

"I have not been contacted and until someone knocks on my door and makes a formal approach then I am not prepared to get involved in idle speculation.

"If it happens then we will have to deal with it."