SORRY

Last updated : 11 January 2005 By editor

The highly-rated goalkeeper is furious after a Sunday newspaper ran a "come-and-get-me-story" after he was asked what he thought he would do if United came in for him.

"But what concerns me most is what Sir Alex would think of me. I must apologise to him."

Niemi explained: "A reporter spoke to me for 30 minutes and during that time I was asked what would happen if Manchester United or Arsenal came in. I said I would at least talk to them because they are massive clubs who win trophies.”

"So if Southampton agreed a price and wanted to sell me I would at least talk to them. That's all there was to it. I did not say I was looking for a move or wanted to go to these clubs. It was just a comment in response to a leading question."