Holloway hits out at Saints

Southampton could be reported by Blackpool over the alleged 'tapping up' of the highly-rated Matt Phillips.

Seasiders boss Ian Holloway did not name the Saints when he expressed his fury that a club had approached Phillips' agent without making an official approach to the Bloomfield Road board first. However, he did confirm that the football authorities would be informed of the 'illegal approach' which would see the guilty party - widely reported to be Southampton - potentially hit with a punishment. Holloway said in the Blackpool Gazette: "Someone has made an illegal approach for him and we can prove it. I'm not very happy about it, and the Football League and the Premier League will be informed about it. "Obviously, the boy would want to better himself, but there hasn't been an official offer and they shouldn't be speaking to his agent." Holloway also confirmed that, should any club make an approach for Phillips, they face a fight to sign him as the 21-year-old has assured him that he is looking forward to the new season at Blackpool. He added: "The boy is a fantastic young man. I've had a good chat to him about it and he's as committed as ever to play for Blackpool. "He is excited about playing for us this season and is more than happy to carry on playing for his teammates who make him look good. "If someone does come in for Matty, and does things the right way with their bid, then who knows. It will be down to my chairman. I can work with Karl and guide him."