Premiership: Richards 'very happy' at Southampton - agent

Dean Richards' agent claims the defender would be "very happy" to stay at Southampton despite him being linked with a move to Tottenham.

Richards said he was tempted by talk of him linking up with former Saints boss Glenn Hoddle again.

But the player's agent, Ian Elliott, claims the centre-half has been misinterpreted and wants to assure Saints fans that he is more than happy to remain at the south coast club.

Elliott said: "Dean wants to make it clear to Southampton supporters that he is very happy to stay at Southampton.

"He's just signed a new contract that will keep him at the club for another four years and he's happy there.

"What Dean said was that he has a lot of respect for Glenn Hoddle, and if there was a deal done between Tottenham and Southampton then he'd be happy to talk to them.

"But he's a Southampton player and he's looking forward to the start of the season, and is fully focussed on that.

"He's 100 per cent committed to Southampton."

However, Elliott admits he thinks Tottenham may be set to make a bid for Richards.

"I'm sure Tottenham are interested in signing him," he continued.

"I'm also sure they would do things correctly with an approach to Southampton, but no-one has spoken to me or to Dean.

"If Tottenham did come in and a deal was agreed, Dean would be keen to talk to them. But until such a deal takes place, Dean remains very committed to Southampton."