Fulham have reportedly rejected an approach from Southampton to talk to their manager Felix Magath over the vacancy at St Mary's Stadium.
Southampton are searching for a new manager after seeing Mauricio Pochettino join Tottenham Hotspur last month, with Ronald Koeman rumoured to be a leading candidate for the role.
According to The Mirror, the club are eager to enter negotiations with Magath, who was unable to avoid relegation with the Cottagers after replacing Rene Meulensteen in February.
However, Fulham are believed to be eager to keep the German in the capital, and have decided to dismiss the enquiry from Southampton.
Saints officials are reportedly hoping to make an official appointment by the end of next week, but it remains unclear whether they will make a second attempt to secure Magath's services.
