Southampton have made an official complaint to the Premier League over Tottenham's bid to sign Dean Richards.
Spurs have already had a £4 million sterling offer for the 27-year-old defender rejected, but White Hart Lane boss Glenn Hoddle still sees Richards as the ideal replacement for Sol Campbell.
Saints chairman Rupert Lowe told the Daily Express: "The current situation surrounding Tottenham and Dean Richards has come at an unfortunate time for us.
"Dean played exceptionally well at Leeds on the opening weekend and is to be applauded for not allowing his game to be adversely affected.
"We are not satisfied with either the timing or the manner in which Tottenham have handled this matter and have made a formal complaint to the Premier League," Lowe said. PA