The Saints are confirmed admirers of defender Richards with Town chairman David Sheepshanks admitting the Premiership club are keen on the highly-rated stopper.
Though no approach has been revealed, Town are bracing themselves for an offer for Richards, who established himself in the first-team during the closing weeks of last season.
Promising striker Bent is also a target for Newcastle United although Town conceded last week they would be surprised if they received a new offer from The Magpies for the 19-year-old.
Bent bagged 18 goals last term for the Portman Road outfit and Town have no intention of cashing in on his services, particularly as they are now out of administration.
But there are still financial concerns for the Suffolk club and a £3 million bid for Bent and Richards could prove too tempting to resist.
Saints boss Gordon Strachan is eager to buttress his squad for next season's twin assault on the domestic and European front and the acquisitions of two rising talents would be a coup for the South Coast side.
