GLASGOW, Dec 11 (sw) - Southampton have confirmed their interest in the services of former Hearts defender Steven Pressley, while Celtic kept quiet.

Pressley left Heart of Midlothian earlier this week after a row over the club's leadership. The former captain was at odds with chairman Romanov, criticising the supremo over his meddling with team affairs.

Former Hearts manager George Burley has confirmed his interest in signing the defender for his current club, Championship outfit Southampton.

Meanwhile, Burley might get fierce competition from both Rangers and Celtic. Gordon Strachan of the latter has not confirmed nor denied his desire to lure Pressley to Parkhead, but has praised Pressley in the past.

"I'm not going to say that. I'm not going to say anything," Strachan told Sky Sports.

"Since I have been back in Scotland, I have been complimentary about the Scottish players at Hearts.

"I think those players have been fantastic for Hearts, but I have spoken about others as well as Pressley."