Scunthorpe United chairman Steve Wharton has refused to comment on reports that boss Nigel Adkins is favourite to takeover at Southampton. Adkins has been linked with the vacant manager's position at St Mary's following the surprise sacking of Alan Pardew last week.

Adkins has guided Scunthorpe to Championship stability since taking charge in 2006 and is therefore held in high regard at Glanford Park.

But Wharton declined the chance to defuse the speculation, he told the Scunthorpe Telegraph when asked: "While Nigel is doing a good job here at Scunthorpe United, I am sure there is always going to be interest in him.

"I know there is speculation, but I really do not want to say anything."