Niemi’s agent wants Celtic deal finalised

ANTTI NIEMI’S agent has called for Celtic and Southampton to come to an arrangement over the Finland goalkeeper’s transfer to Parkhead as soon as possible.

Niemi is regarded by new Hoops manager Gordon Strachan as his number one choice to succeed Scotland international Robert Douglas, who has moved to Leicester.

The 33-year-old former Hearts and Rangers goalkeeper is also keen to be re-united with Strachan, his former boss at St Mary’s. However, relegated Saints are keen to get the best possible price for him, with boss Harry Redknapp rating him at more than £2 million.

The Hoops, who are also exploring a £2.75 million deal for Japan midfielder Shinsuke Nakamura, are loath to pay a huge fee on a 33-year-old.

It took them the best part of a month to land Poland striker Maciej Zurawski from Wisla Krakow in a £2 million deal and Niemi’s agent Richard Cody was keen to avoid a repeat scenario.

Cody said: “He wants to come but there has been no agreement made with Southampton despite reports floating around in Scotland that a fee has been agreed.

Niemi began his career in Britain at Rangers, where he was back-up to Stefan Klos. A £400,000 switch to Hearts saw him emerge as one of the most reliable performers between the sticks and the Edinburgh club’s cash problems led to him being sold to Saints for £2 million in August 2002.

He enhanced his reputation in the Premiership but was unable to stop the south-coast side slipping into the Coca-Cola Championship on the final day of last season. He is unwilling to drop a division and sees Celtic as an ideal change of venue.

Redknapp knows relegation has made money tighter than ever at St Mary’s. As a result he has to sell before he can buy. Celtic have been linked with defender Claus Lundekvam, midfielder Paul Telfer and Republic of Ireland international Rory Delap.