ANTTI Niemi today utters the words all Saints fans are desperate to hear: I want to stay at St Mary's.

The Finnish international, already regarded as a legend by the Saints faithful, has been the subject of speculation linking him with champions Arsenal.

But Niemi's agent, Richard Cody, recently told the Daily Echo that his client wants to stay at Saints and has no intentions of moving.

Talks will get under way this summer to offer the best Saints keeper since the legendary Peter Shilton improved terms on his contract, which still has three years left to run.

Niemi said: "I've seen the same stories but I'm more than happy here and as far as I'm concerned I've got another three years to go."

Saints boss Paul Sturrock was also open about Niemi's future and added: "An agent is trying to make suggestions rather than a football club.

"I've been in this game too long to think that Arsenal and Manchester United splash the names of players they want in the press - it's agents that splash the names of players in the paper.

"As far as I'm concerned he has three years on his contract and I'm very pleased with him.

"We need to discuss things about his contract with the chairman, but we will not go into that until the season finishes."

Niemi, among the leading candidates to be awarded the prestigious Saints player of the season award - it will be presented before Wednesday's final home match of the season against Newcastle - pulled off two great saves to help his side to a 1-1 draw against Euro hopefuls Aston Villa at St Mary's at the weekend.

Many pundits and fans regard him as the best keeper in the Premiership, but Niemi modestly said: "That's a bit embarrassing.

"It's only my second season here and there are so many good goalkeepers here."

However, Villa boss David O'Leary did the talking for him and commented: "He's an excellent goalkeeper.

"He might not be with a top-name club, and he might not be 'a name', but he's well up there in the goalkeeping league without a doubt."