Burley has denied reports he is about to leave

Reports suggested Burley had cleared his desk at St Mary's Stadium in readiness to leave, following his unhappiness with internal politics.

Burley told Saints' website: "The story is complete nonsense, I am very happy at the club.

"I am very surprised and upset by the article because my family and I are very settled at Southampton."

Burley was appointed at St Mary's in December 2005 and last season led Saints to the play-offs, where they lost out on penalties to eventual play-off final winners Derby.

606: DEBATE As denials go its quite catagoric and seems a personal, honest respose S-A-I-N-T

Saints' relegation from the Premiership and subsequent loss of parachute payments has forced Burley to preside over the sale of some of the club's most promising youngsters.

Last year Saints sold Theo Walcott to Arsenal, and this summer Gareth Bale was sold to Tottenham and Chrius Barid to Fulham, while striker Kenwyne Jones was sold to Sunderland for �6m before the recent transfer window closed.