Niemi set to bid Saints farewell

Antti Niemi’s agent claims the Finnish goalkeeper is certain to leave Southampton following their relegation to the Coca-Cola Championship.

According to Richard Cody, Niemi, who turns 33 next month, is attracting interest from Celtic and clubs in the Barclays Premiership.

Niemi has spent three seasons at St Mary’s, having joined from Hearts for £2m (€2.9m).

Cody said in The Sun: “Antti will definitely move this summer. There is an interest from Celtic but there are a couple of Premiership clubs keen on him as well.”

New Celtic boss Gordon Strachan signed Niemi for Saints in August 2002 and is likely to be given money to spend this summer, having taken over from Martin O’Neill last week.