Redknapp: Top Saints won't go cheaply

Harry Redknapp has warned new Celtic manager Gordon Strachan he can forget about signing any of his players on the cheap.

Strachan has been linked with Southampton duo Kevin Phillips and Antti Niemi and Redknapp admits that both players probably want to play their football elsewhere next season after the Saints – who the new Celtic boss used to manage - were relegated.

But the Saints boss insists they will only be allowed to quit if the price is right.

Redknapp told the Evening Times: “We haven‘t had contact from Celtic at all about the two players. Gordon is welcome to pick up the phone but I haven‘t heard from him at all.

“It seems as though Kevin and Antti don‘t want to play in the First Division. If people want to go and you get the right money, what can you do?

“But I will be looking for decent money. The goals Kevin Phillips will score could help a Premiership team enjoy a good season or a team in Scotland win the championship.

“I won‘t be giving guys away on the cheap, that‘s for sure. I‘ve got plenty of players here I would be happy to sell to Celtic – I‘d even drive them up to Glasgow myself.

“But no manager wants to lose his best players and Phillips and Niemi come under that bracket.”