Paul Allen has denied reports he is set to buy Saints.

The American billionaire was speaking on June 20 in a radio interview when he claimed that the two sports franchises he owns in America already take up much of his time - he reckons 100 games a season, Saints would add around another 50.

Allen's spokesman has always denied his interest in the club but the Daily Echo understand his advisors have held at least five meetings with St Mary's officials since January.

Allen said: "There's been some kind of unusual rumours out there that I've looked at soccer teams, but I haven't. I haven't looked at a single soccer team, so there is no truth to those rumours."