Thompson was a back-row forward when he joined Saints

A Brive spokesperson said Thompson, 28, met with their director of rugby Michel Peuchlestrade last week.

But Saints chief executive Allan Robson said: "That's news to all of us.

"We've not had an approach from any club for Wally [Thompson]. He's got two years left on his contract and we have no intention of releasing him."

Robson added: "Wally's got commitments with the club during the week and he never failed to fulfil any of them, so he's not failed us in any respect at all last week."

In December, Thompson dismissed suggestions he was leaving the club, saying: "My name's always going to be linked to places, like everyone else."

Thompson joined the Saints academy as a back-rower in 1987 but was converted to the front by former boss Ian McGeechan and has won 47 caps for England.