ANTTI NIEMI has NOT held talks with other clubs about a possible move from Saints.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper has been at the centre of speculation regarding his future after missing Saturday's 3-2 friendly win against Anderlecht.

But agent Richard Cody has confirmed that Niemi had missed the game for "personal reasons" and not because he was poised for a transfer elsewhere.

Uncertainty, however, still surrounds the situation with Harry Redknapp simply saying: "The chairman is dealing with it." The manager also said he thought the problem was linked to Niemi's contract.

The Finn was inevitably linked with Gordon Strachan's Celtic, who had a £1.25m offer turned down last month.

After conceding nine goals in just two matches, it was thought that Strachan may renew his interest in a player who formed a platform for him to build one of the best defences in the league for Saints.

But the Daily Echo understands that is definitely not the case.build one of the best defences in the league for Saints. But the Daily Echo understands that is definitely not the case.

Fulham are also thought to be monitoring the situation after losing Edwin van der Sar to Manchester United.

That has left the Cottagers with just two senior keepers, and both Jaro Drobny and veteran Mark Crossley are currently carrying injuries.

"The reports saying Antti missed Saturday's game because we were in talks with other clubs are rubbish," said Cody. "He was sorry to miss the game at short notice but it was due to personal reasons and not another club."

Niemi joined Saints in August 2002 for £2m from Hearts. He eventually replaced Paul Jones as the club's number goalkeeper and was a key part of the team that reached the FA Cup final and finished eighth in the league.

He was even better the following season and was a landslide winner (83 per cent) in Saints' player of the season poll.

However, he was disappointed last summer with his initial contract negotiations before agreeing a deal until 2008.

Niemi suffered several knee injuries last season, although he still made 32 appearances - 28 of them in the Premiership.