Hammers fail with Puncheon bid

Sky Sports understands that Southampton have turned down a bid from Championship rivals West Ham for Jason Puncheon.

Southampton reject loan approach as interest mounts

Sky Sports understands that Southampton have turned down a loan bid from Championship rivals West Ham United for Jason Puncheon. It is also understood that Puncheon is wanted by two more of the Championship's promotion contenders in the shape of Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace. Two of the midfielder's former clubs Millwall and Blackpool are also keen as the interest mounts. Puncheon began the year on loan at Queens Park Rangers, but he has now returned to Southampton. And as he is not involved with their first-team, he is anxiously looking to seal a move away from St Mary's. Southampton are being inundated with requests, and they have rebuffed an offer from West Ham to take him on loan with a view to a permanent deal. Boro and Palace are also monitoring the situation, while Blackpool have seen a cash offer rejected, with Southampton wanting in excess of £1million for the 25-year-old.