Alan Pardew insists Saints can fend off genuine enquiries from teams who want to sign Rickie Lambert this summer after the striker became the highest scoring Football League striker of the Millennium.

Lambert, who before Saturday’s game was awarded the Daily Echo player of the season trophy, netted twice as Saints came from behind to beat Southend 3-1 in their final game of the season.

That double striker took his tally to the season for 37 in all competitions.

That is made up 31 league goals, one scored for Bristol Rovers, from 45 starts and six cup goals in 13 starts.

That means a grand total this season of a remarkable 37 goals from 58 starts.

Pardew is bracing himself for interest in Lambert this summer – Scotish giants Celtic have been the latest club linked with him – but is sure Saints can hold onto their talisman.

“There will be enquiries for sure but fortunately for us we have a strong chairman here who wants to keep his best players,” said Pardew.

“It’s going to be very very difficult for a club to come up with the finance that would take Lallana or Lambert away from us.

“The figure would be very difficult.

“I saw Gary Cahill was priced at £30m so I’m not sure where that puts Rickie Lambert.”

Full story in today's Southern Daily Echo