The January rumour mill has gone into overdrive with even Mauricio Pochettino linked with a move away from Saints.

An Italian website has claimed that the Saints boss is likely to leave St Mary’s in the summer.

The Daily Echo understands that the reports are inaccurate.

Pochettino has consistently said he is happy at Saints, and reiterated that just a few weeks ago when he was linked with the vacancy at Tottenham.

"As a manager what's really important is that the sporting aspect is under my control, in terms of signings," Pochettino said.

"Without my agreement no signings go through, and those two basic things are very important for any manager."

Pochettino is very loyal to executive chairman Nicola Cortese, and even threatened to quit the club if his boss left in the summer.

Saints have again been linked in Italy with a move for Italian international centre half Davide Astori.

Despite Mauricio Pochettino saying last week that they have no interest in Astori, the Italian media remain convinced that Saints are set to move for the player.

Italian paper Tuttosport claim that Saints are keen to add another defender to their ranks, with speculation reigning over the future of Japanese defender Maya Yoshida.

Saints were first linked with Astori in the 2012/13 season, when under the guidance of former manager Nigel Adkins. In the past, the Rossoblu, home to Astori for six years, had reportedly rejected Saints' advances.

However, it is now thought that they will change their stance, after Club President Massimo Cellino revealed that both Davide Astori and Radja Nainggolan could leave the club if the right offer came in.