Saints boss denies sinning over star swoop

Nigel Adkins has denied Blackpool boss Ian Holloway's claims Southampton made an illegal approach for winger Matt Phillips.

The Saints chief was linked with a move for the highly-rated 21-year-old last week and it resulted in Holloway speaking out over the weekend to say the Tangerines would be reporting an unnamed Premier League club for an illegal approach. And, while Holloway was careful not to name the Saints, it was widely reported that the south coast outfit were the subject of his anger. But Adkins insists that they have made their interest know through the right channels and have done nothing wrong. "We do everything properly and by the book," Adkins told BBC Radio Solent. "I know our chairman has tried to contact Blackpool's chairman," he added. "We've had a conversation with the chief executive and I've spoken to Ian Holloway myself. "We will conduct our transfer business privately behind the scenes. Obviously this situation has now arisen and we will take action on that and respond in the appropriate manner."