Chris Baird Position Defender DOB 13/09/1973 P.O.B. Nth Ireland Height 6' 00" Club Southampton Nation Nth Ireland

Fulham have had an offer rejected for the Southampton defender Chris Baird.

The west London club's manager, Lawrie Sanchez, knows the player well from their Northern Ireland days together, but the offer - believed to be £2.5m - has been described as "derisory" by the Saints' manager, George Burley.

"There was a small bid - a ridiculous offer - which Fulham made for Chris," said Burley.

"Chris is not a player we're even thinking about letting go. He has two years left on his current deal, he's our player of the season and he signed a contract at the end of last season. We'll be talking with him again about extending his contract."

Fulham are considering an improved offer for the 25-year-old and are also understood to be preparing an offer for the Leeds striker David Healy.