Anders Svensson's agent has insisted that the Swedish midfielder is happy at St Mary's.

Svensson was reported to be ready to quit Southampton after being substituted during the second half of the FA Cup final defeat against Arsenal last month.

He has been offered a two-year extension to his current deal, which expires in 2005, and will have talks with Saints during the pre-season tour of his homeland next month.

Kent Carlzon, Svensson's agent, said: "Anders and Michael (Svensson), who I also represent, are very happy and I can't really understand why things are written that say the opposite.

"Sometimes the story starts with someone and then the others write the same thing.

"But Anders has two years left on his contract and he has had a very successful season, one of the most successful for Southampton for many years, and he's been part of it all.

"If he hadn't been playing or had always been on the bench it would be different, but he's been playing all the time so I can't understand why the rumours start.

"Unfortunately there has been speculation and rumours that have been short on facts but have given people something to write about.

"After they lost 1-0 (in the FA Cup Final) the Swedish media tried to get him to say things he didn't mean.

"Everyone was disappointed after the game but he is looking forward to being in Sweden with Southampton this summer, when we will have a meeting about his contract which may be extended until 2007.

"Southampton is a very good club, it is very professional and the chairman (Rupert Lowe) is a very honest man."

Carlzon was responding to quotes from Svensson in the Swedish paper Sportbladet this week, with the Swedish midfielder suggesting he may leave Saints for a team with a different style of play.

The playmaker criticised Saints' approach after the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal and has again hinted that he wants to play for a side with a greater emphasis on passing.

Svensson, who has been linked to Valencia, has not ruled out signing a new contract with Saints.

He added: "W'll see. There are some things to take into account. I want to play in a side where I can reach my full potential.

"I called the manager after the Cup Final and told him as it was - that I was really disappointed and the playing style does not suit me.

"I asked if I have a future at the club. They want to extend my contract which is a sign they appreciate my playing style. We will have a talk at the end of July."