Antti Niemi has dismissed Sunday newspaper reports that he is looking to swap St Mary's for Old Trafford.

A Sunday newspaper claimed said the Saints keeper had told Manchester United he is ready to replace Roy Carroll, whose high-profile fumble against Spurs last week raised further questions over his ability.

Niemi was said to have issued a 'come-and-get-me plea' to Sir Alex Ferguson, but the Finn is bitterly upset at a quote being taken out of context and used to imply he wants to become the second high-profile player at Saints after James Beattie to quit the club's relegation struggle.

He explained: "I did a 30-minute feature with the newspaper in question.

"It seemed to be going well and we talked about a wide range of things.

"In the middle of the chat he asked about the transfer window and the usual speculation and I said I take no notice of it.

"He asked what would happen if Manchester United or Arsenal came in for me and I told him that any player in the world would at least talk to them because they are massive clubs.

"They win trophies and are huge clubs so if Southampton ever wanted to sell me and agreed a fee then I would talk to them.

"That was all there was to it. I did not say I am looking to move or that I want to go to these clubs.

"It was just a passing comment in response to a leading question.

"I could not believe it when I picked up the paper yesterday.

"None of the rest of the interview was in there, just this one comment out of context.

"That is the way this newspaper do things but I am very upset that it made it seem as though I am looking for another club.

"It is just ridiculous and even the quotes used are not exactly how I said them.

"It makes me feel like not talking to the press any more.

"Hopefully all sensible people will realise that is what has happened but I

feel so embarrassed by it.

"Even though I said nothing wrong I would like to apologise to any of the fans upset by it - and to Sir Alex.

"Heaven knows what he must think of me reading that!

"But I am not stupid enough to think that was the right way to get a move - even if I wanted one.

"I am very happy at Southampton and I am fully focused on helping us get out of trouble.

"It is vital for the club, the fans and the city that we stay in the Premier League and that is my sole concern right now."

Niemi signed an extension to his contract keeping him here until June 2008 and said he would be happy to see out his career with Southampton.

Only last Friday Niemi's agent, Richard Cody, said the only way his client would be leaving Saints was if boss Harry Redknapp wanted to raise further cash to spend in the transfer market.