SAINTS star James Beattie has played down the latest rumours surrounding his future and repeated his pledge: "I'm happy here."

Tabloid reports yesterday linked the 25-year-old with a multi-million pound move to Liverpool.

But Beattie, who netted Saints' consolation in last night's 2-1 friendly defeat at Aberdeen, said: "Last week it was Newcastle, this week it is Liverpool - I take it all with a pinch of salt.

"Of course it's flattering to see your name linked with clubs - it means I'm doing something right.

"I cannot really say any more than I said last week. I have heard nothing from anyone and, until anyone tells me different, I will be staying here. I signed a new contract a few months ago and I am very happy. I am still on a high after the FA Cup final even though we lost.

"The fans were absolute quality. I expected them to be up for it but they were something else!"

Chairman Rupert Lowe added: "There is nothing in the Beattie story. I suppose it is better to be talked about than not and, if you're fairly successful, then the media are bound to speculate about some of your players.

"I don't know where this story has come from but there is no substance to it."

Saints have also played down reports they had agreed a £1.5m deal for Moroccan striker Hicham Aboucherouane after the 22-year-old African Player of the Year from Raja Casablanca recently enjoyed a good one-week trial spell.

Lowe said: "The Moroccan came here on trial but there is no further news to report.

"I don't know who is driving that one but it's not us."

Saints, meanwhile, have opened talks with Anders Svensson with a view to extending the Swedish international's contract to 2007 to end rumours he wants to quit the club.

Svensson had told the Daily Echo on Saturday night he wanted to stay at the club, and was "embarrassed" by tabloid reports suggesting otherwise on Monday.