Svensson has distanced himself from post-Cup Final comments

Svensson has denied directing a post-FA Cup Final attack on manager Gordon Strachan.

The 25-year-old was widely quoted criticising Strachan for his Cup final tactics after he was substituted after 75 minutes.

The Swedish World Cup star was even reported to have hinted the Cardiff showpiece could be his last game for Saints.

His agent Kent Carlsson claimed he was looking for a new club for Svensson.

Both Svensson and Southampton have distanced themselves from the supposed rift, with Strachan insisting it was part of the Cup final fall-out, which included speculation over the futures of Fabrice Fernandes and James Beattie.

Fernandes was said to be considering his future after being dropped from the Cup Final side, while Beattie was linked with a move to Liverpool.

I suppose it is better to be talked about than not. If you are fairly successful then the media are bound to speculate about your player Saints chairman Rupert Lowe

Strachan said: "With the Cup Final over, people have had to make up stories.

"Anders Svensson is most embarrassed by the whole thing, he's phoned me several times to apologise profusely as he never said anything like what he was reported to have said.

"What he did say was that he was disappointed, which is understandable if you're substituted in an FA Cup final," added Strachan.

Speculation surrounds Beattie, Fernandes and Svensson

The Saints boss denied there was a rift with Svensson and the club have revealed they are due to start talks with Svensson on extending his current St Mary's deal until 2007.

Meanwhile, Saints deny they are on the brink of completing a �1.5m deal for Moroccan striker Hicham Aboucherouane.

The 22-year-old former African player of the year spent a week on trial at St Mary's towards the end of the season, but Saints chairman Rupert Lowe played down reports that the Raja Casablanca striker was about to sign.

Lowe said: "There is nothing in any of those stories. The Moroccan came here on trial but there is no further news to report.

"We certainly have not agreed any deal. I don't know who is driving that one but it is not us.

Lowe dismisses Svensson speculation

"Likewise there is nothing in the Beattie story as far as I am aware.

"I suppose it is better to be talked about than not and if you are fairly successful then the media are bound to speculate about some of your players.

"I don't know where this story has come from but there is no substance to it," Lowe told the club's official website.