David Wetherall has promised not to let the Southampton transfer talk affect his performances for Bradford City.

Struggling Saints pulled the plug on a £1.25 million move for Wetherall as well as a possible deal with Nottingham Forest skipper Chris Bart-Williams.

Wetherall's agent Hayden Evans accused the Premiership side of "changing the goal posts" after coming up with an offer of a three-month loan instead. Evans said: "That was not appropriate to us or Bradford. David will not be going out on loan to anyone."

Southampton would not comment but a club source said today: "The Wetherall deal is in a state of permanent limbo."

Wetherall, who had talks with his former Leeds team-mate Gordon Strachan six days ago, maintains it will be business as usual as he prepares for City's visit to First Division high-flyers Norwich on Saturday.

Wetherall said: "If things don't go through then I'm very happy to stay. It's been made quite clear that I won't be ostracised at the club.

"I never asked to go in the first place and it's not a case of me being desperate to leave. I know Gordon very well and when someone gives you the chance of playing in the Premier League then anyone would be interested.

"But there is no problem. I will happily carry on playing for Bradford City."

Rumours on the south coast suggested that Southampton were worried about Wetherall's recent injury record and that had put them off offering a long-term commitment.

Wetherall told the Telegraph & Argus: "There has been a lot of speculation and wrong things said. The simple facts are that the club had an offer, I went down for talks and nothing was agreed. I've not had a medical or failed one. But when things aren't finalised quickly and they drag a bit, people get to different stages with the story.

"I was sat at home the other day when I heard on the radio that I was apparently having a medical at that moment!"

City manager Jim Jefferies said: "Southampton made an approach and we were obliged to tell David about the Premier League interest. He has spoken to them but it doesn't change his position at the club unless something definite happens.

"He's a good professional and has been training away with us this week without a problem."