EGYPTIAN striker Mido has explained why his potential move to Newcastle fell through.

The 6ft 3in Saints target, who is great in the air and primarily left-footed, was wanted by United.

But Mido turned down the move because Sir Bobby Robson was unable to guarantee him a regular starting spot.

"When I met with Sir Bobby Robson he was clear with me and told me that he wanted to prepare me for the 2005-2006 season and this would be by playing me in only some of the games this (2004/05) season," said Mido.

"He said it frankly that he plans to start with Shearer and Bellamy this year while I mould into the team and in the country.

"In his opinion I have lots of similarities in my way of playing with Alan Shearer and this prevents him from starting with both of us.

"I thought about it for some time but came to a decision that I need to play regularly next season."

Mido, who was trailed by Saints three years ago when he was at Belgian club Ghent, added: "I got an offer from Fiorentina but I am convinced that Italy should be my target only when I am ready and armed with experience.

"I don't want to repeat the mistakes of Henry or Bergkamp."

Mikael Nilsson has offered to waive his share of any transfer fee to join Saints before the start of the season.

The Swedish international midfielder has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Saints when his current deal expires at Halmstad - but that means he won't join up with Paul Sturrock and his new teammates until December.

Saints are believed to have offered Halmstad £250,000 to bring him to England before the start of the season but the Swedish club are holding out for nearer £500,000.

Nilsson said: "I have abstained from taking my percentage of the transfer fee hoping to get a quick solution.

Negotiations are ongoing but Halmstad chairman Bengt Sjoholm says the clubs are still a way apart in their valutaion.

He said: "So far we are not satisfied with the offer from Southampton but the clubs are still negotiating a transfer fee.

"We have made progress and it might be solved within a week."

Former Saints striker Agustin Delgado was on target again last night as Ecuador finished their Copa America campaign with a 2-1 loss to Mexico. Delgado had previously scored in his country's opening match - a 6-1 thrashing by Argentina.