But Ipswich manager George Burley appears undeterred by that rejection and will hope to use half of the £3m brought in from the sale of David Johnson to Nottingham Forest last week to seal the deal.

Southampton risk losing the player for nothing in the summer with his current contract up at the end of the season and are yet to begin talks over an extended stay at The Dell.

"It's disappointed me that the club have taken so much time and waited until the end of this contract to talk to me about a new deal," said Kachloul.

"They have asked my agent to talk this week but nothing has been decided yet. I'm a bit surprised they have left it so late.

"I'm very happy with my football here but we will see what happens. If I don't stay at Southampton I will definitely stay in England."

Town's 2-0 win over Leicester lifted Town back up to fourth in the Premiership - reaching the 40-point mark set by Burley for survival in the process - and the Blues boss' next move in his plan to challenge for a surprise European place come May is to strengthen "all areas of the squad".

Burley was due to have a meeting with chairman David Sheepshanks to discuss possible additions, with Kachloul top of the list.

Burley said: "I will not disclose which player or which club, purely that we have put a bid into a Premiership club.

"We have been watching this player for some time and I firmly believe that he can add to the quality of what is a very talented and professional squad."