ANTTI Niemi could be on his way out of St Mary's in January.

Charlton are said to be lining up a £1.5m transfer window swoop for the Finnish goalkeeper.

The 33-year-old has been unsettled by recent events at Saints and said the club was in a "mess".

It's understood Charlton boss Alan Curbishley wants a new number one and views Niemi as the best replacement.

Niemi, below, who retired from international football last season to concentrate on his Saints form, nearly moved to The Valley eight years ago after training with them and playing in the reserves.

But a deal fell through and he joined Hearts.

Last summer, Celtic made an offer but failed to meet the asking price.

This time Saints may be willing to let of one of their prised assets go with the highly rated Paul Smith making a capable replacement.

Last week he rubbished reports linking him with an Everton move, saying he found it "unbelievable to read these stories".

Niemi, who joined Saints in 2002 and helped the club to the 2003 FA Cup final, also spoke of his frustration at Saints' managerial predicament.

He said: "I have been a Saints player for three and a half years and have already played under four different managers.

"How can we expect to do well when there is such instability?

"These past few years have been like a bad rollercoaster ride. There's been too much change."

Niemi also described Clive Woodward becoming the next manager as "unthinkable". A decision on Saints' next manager is expected next week.