This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southampton/6168297.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Celtic make approach to Pressley Pressley in no rush for next move
(1 day later)
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has met freed Hearts captain Steven Pressley in Glasgow about a possible January move to the Scottish champions. Former Hearts captain Steven Pressley will take time to ponder his next move after meeting with Celtic manager Gordon Strachan.
A club source told BBC Sport: "It's too early to say they are in talks. Steven simply had a natter with Gordon, whom he knows from his time at Coventry." "Bearing in mind Steven can't play for another club until 1 January, he has a bit of time to consider his options," agent Blair Morgan told Record PM.
Pressley plans talks with other clubs in the coming week. "He is not in any rush to sign anything and he will establish who is interested in the next couple of days.
It is understood there has so far been no contact from Southampton or Derby County for the Scotland defender. "The race for his signature will definitely hot up."
The English clubs were among the first to be linked with the 33-year-old following his acrimonious departure from Tynecastle. Southampton boss George Burley has expressed his interest, while Rangers, Dundee United, Derby County and Leeds have all been linked with the Scotland defender.
But, with Pressley's wife expecting a new child within the week, he will take his time to make a decision about whether to remain in Scotland or move to England. Pressley had an informal meeting with Strachan after being released at the weekend but other clubs are sure to contact the 33-year-old.
Southampton manager George Burley told BBC Sport: "I'm aware of Steven Pressley's situation and I'm monitoring it. A source told BBC Sport: "It's too early to say they are in talks. Steven simply had a natter with Gordon, whom he knows from his time at Coventry."
"But I would have to wait and see if we could do anything in the January transfer window." Steven can't play in Europe this year, but he can help Celtic to the championship Blair Morgan
Despite leaving Hearts at the weekend, Pressley is ineligible to sign for another employer until the opening of the transfer window. With Pressley's wife expecting a new child within the week, it has been reported that he would prefer to remain in Scotland.
Pressley's last game for Hearts was the goalless draw way to Inverness Caledonian Thistle in November. But, if Strachan was to follow up his interest, Pressley would not be eligible for the Champions League, having played for Hearts in the qualifying rounds.
The Scotland international joined Hearts in 1998 but recently fell out of favour after voicing concern about the way the club was being run by majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov. Morgan added: "Steven can't play in Europe this year, but he can help Celtic to the championship which is something he has never won."
Pressley joined Hearts in 1998 but recently fell out of favour after voicing concern about the way the club was being run by owner Vladimir Romanov.
Scotland manager Walter Smith would like Pressley back playing regularly as soon as possible.
"I don't think he'll have any problem getting another team," he said.
"From our point of view we have a number of players not playing regularly and we don't need another one, so I hope he gets fixed up before Christmas."
606 DEBATE: Will Pressley will be tempted by the Saints manager? 606 DEBATE: Will Pressley will be tempted by the Saints manager?
Rangers were thought to head the queue for the services of Pressley, who has been capped 27 times by Scotland and began his career at Ibrox. Southampton manager Burley worked with Pressley during his brief spell in charge at Tynecastle.
Dundee United, Dunfermline, Leeds and Cardiff have also been linked with the centre-half. And he told BBC Sport: "I'm aware of Steven Pressley's situation and I'm monitoring it.
Sheffield United, Reading and Watford are among the Premiership clubs said to be keen, but Pressley could be interested in joining up with his former boss at Hearts. "But I would have to wait and see if we could do anything in the January transfer window."
Burley has a record of attracting players who previously played under him. Dundee United's Craig Levein is another manager to have worked with Pressley at Hearts.
Former Hearts midfielder Rudi Skacel, Spurs striker Grzegorz Rasiak and ex-Derby playmaker Inigo Idiakez joined forces with their previous boss in preference to Premiership clubs. And he told The Evening Telegraph: "I spoke to Steven and he knows I want to sign him, but he has other offers to consider and I would say we are well down the pecking order.
"From speaking to him, I think he wants his future sorted out sooner rather than later, but, right now, I'm not holding my breath so far as our chances go."