No cut-price deals for Niemi - Redknapp

Southampton manager Harry Redknapp tonight warned Celtic that they will not get Antti Niemi on the cheap.

Gordon Strachan has targeted the former Rangers goalkeeper, who moved to the south coast in a £2m (€2.8m) move from Hearts.

But Redknapp said: “I know Celtic have been talking to the chairman because Gordon Strachan has a fantastic relationship with the chairman apparently.

“If they want him then they will have to pay the money. He is one of the top three or four keepers in the country.

“Maybe they think we are skint after relegation but if we don’t get the right money then we won’t sell.”

Redknapp has also challenged Liverpool to put up or shut up as they chase Peter Crouch.

Saints desperately want to keep Crouch and Niemi but Redknapp is a realist and knows that every player has a price.

And if the club are to lose one or both, then he would rather it happened soon.

Redknapp told saintsfc.co.uk: “I don’t want either of them to go. I have said a million times this game is all about players and you have to keep your best ones.

“The Peter Crouch saga seems to have slowed and hopefully it stays like that.

“But I can understand why he would want to go there. He could earn eight times what he would here and play in the Champions League.

“He is a great lad, you would not meet better. He is top-class as a person and as a professional.

“It is hard to say no to him but I have to do what is best for this club and I want to keep him.”

Redknapp added: “I don’t want to lose either of them but everyone has got a price – and if it is going to happen then I want it to be soon.

“We need to put a deadline on it and say if it does not happen quickly then we keep them.

“The chairman has told me how much the club needs out of transfers so I won’t get all the money but I hope to get the rest.

“If Niemi goes then I would need to bring in another goalkeeper because that is a key position.

“Paul Smith did terrific last season but we would need someone to push him for a place.

“There are a couple I would like but they have other clubs chasing them and we cannot afford to wait. If they go elsewhere then we would be stuck.

“It is the same if Crouch goes, I would want to bring in someone else. But we need it to happen soon so we can get replacements and plan for the season.”

Redknapp knows he is unlikely to be able to sign any more players unless he sells first.

He added: “I would love to bring some players in – we need some. But my hands are tied.

“I was told I could bring in a couple of frees on small wages and that is what I have done with Dennis Wise and Darren Powell who have both settled well.

“Dennis is right up at the front of the running – he is amazing and fit as a fiddle.

“We had a practice match today and he almost gave the ball away once. His passing is top quality.”