Alan Pardew has refused to comment on reports linking him with the Celtic job. The Southampton boss declined to rule himself in or out of the running when contacted on Thursday afternoon.

He said: "It has been brought to my attention that my name is in one of the papers but I have no comment to make."

Pardew led West Ham to the 2006 FA Cup final, seeing his team beaten by Liverpool on penalties.

He was sacked less than halfway through the following season after a poor run of results and suffered the same fate at Charlton two years later.

But he has rebuilt his reputation at Coca-Cola League OneSouthampton, who are close to a play-off spot despite a 10-point deduction.

They also won the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last month.