SIR Alex Ferguson could be back on the trail of Saints star Antti Niemi this summer.

Tabloid speculation is again linking the Manchester United manager with a swoop for the goalkeeper who has won over everyone at St Mary's since his £2m move from Hearts last summer.

That speculation has been heightened following Fergie's weekend decision to omit Fabien Barthez from the squad which travelled to White Hart Lane.

Ferguson attempted to hijack Niemi's move to the south coast back then, but after contacting his agent was told Neimi, pictured above, was not about to go back on his word and had agreed to join Saints.

Niemi, currently out injured, has been one of Saints' top performers this season and is in the running to win the Player of the Year award organised in conjunction with the Daily Echo.

Saints chairman Rupert Lowe has always maintained this season that the club no longer have to see their leading players, with top scorer James Beattie and England full-back Wayne Bridge also included in that list.

But he has also said that there is little point keeping anyone who wants to leave.

Rory Delap, meanwhile, looks almost certain to miss out on the FA Cup final after scan results have shown up torn ligaments.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Echo, his injured ankle will not need surgery, but has been placed in a splint.

Delap had been out for seven weeks with a knee problem and suffered the latest injury after falling awkwardly during the reserve team match against Derby last week.

Marian Pahars also looks highly unlikely to make it and is now looking towards next season after a campaign wrecked by injury problems.

The likelihood is that he will have a third operation on his ankle in a bid to recover in time for preseason training.

Agustin Delgado will this week have injections in his back but could also need surgery before the end of the season.

Captain Jason Dodd has had an injection in his injured ankle and will this week learn whether he has any chance of making the Cup Final.

Paul Telfer missed Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Charlton with a slight hamstring, while Antti Niemi is still suffering from a knee injury, but both hope to return to training this week.

Saints are also this week giving a five-day trial to Moroccan striker Hicham Aboucharouane. The 22-year-old from Raja Club of Casablanca scored 11 goals for his club last season and is known for his pace and dribbling skills.

Saints' Reserves host Watford Reserves at Staplewood tonight (7pm).