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JDefoe14 · 19-08-2008, 01:01 PM

Redknapp to Focus on Midfield and Defence.
With another 2 months left in the summer transfer window, Harry Redknapp will focus on finding a replacement for Sulley Muntari, who’s move to Inter Milan leaves a big hole in midfield for Pompey. Muntari was an instrumental part of Portsmouth’s 07-08 season which saw them finish 8th and win the FA Cup, an achievement they hope to improve on this season.

Speculation over Muntari’s likely replacement have led to names like ex Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko, Udinese’s Christian Obodo and HSV’s Nigel de Jong all being linked with a move to the club. The three players all sharing a similar playing style to Muntari and well within Redknapp’s budget, with chairman Alexandre Gaidamak giving the green light for Redknapp to spend big in the summer transfer window.

Redknapp is almost certain to sign a new keeper with the ageing David James thinking of retirement this year and the prospects of facing top European clubs with Jamie Ashdown, a concern for Portsmouth who may release the keeper before the start of the season. Favoured to take his spot is Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland, who is looking to escape a year in the Championship after Wigan was relegated last season. Redknapp also enquiring about Manchester City keeper Joe Hart, but being told firmly he is not for sale.

A certain addition to the Portsmouth line-up will be Peter Whittingham, the Cardiff City winger impressing Redknapp in last season’s FA Cup final so much, Redknapp was said to of called Cardiff City manager Dave Jones the week after to discuss the move. Whittingham should join the club next week, with the club officials in the last stages of negotiation as you read this.

In defence, Redknapp has shown interest in recently club-less Argentine legend Juan Pablo Sorin. Sorin has been quoted as saying he wants one last swan song before retiring and with Portsmouth in the UEFA Cup, the club may just be what he is looking for. With the ability to play almost anywhere on the field, Sorin will not only bring his great technical skill to the club but also great leadership qualities that Portsmouth may need if rumours surrounding Sol Campbell’s departure from the club are true.

Along with the rumours surrounding Campbell’s departure and as we mentoned before Jamie Ashdown’s imminent release from the club, Redknapp may use the summer transfer window to unload a number of ageing squad members including Noe Paromot, Hermann Hreidarsson and Richard Hughes.

Peter Whittingham set to join Pompey
within the next week.

Juan Pablo Sorin on Redknapps
list of targets this summer

19-08-2008, 01:01 PM	#16 (permalink)
JDefoe14 Rookie Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sydney,AUS Posts: 29	Redknapp to Focus on Midfield and Defence. With another 2 months left in the summer transfer window, Harry Redknapp will focus on finding a replacement for Sulley Muntari, who’s move to Inter Milan leaves a big hole in midfield for Pompey. Muntari was an instrumental part of Portsmouth’s 07-08 season which saw them finish 8th and win the FA Cup, an achievement they hope to improve on this season. Speculation over Muntari’s likely replacement have led to names like ex Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko, Udinese’s Christian Obodo and HSV’s Nigel de Jong all being linked with a move to the club. The three players all sharing a similar playing style to Muntari and well within Redknapp’s budget, with chairman Alexandre Gaidamak giving the green light for Redknapp to spend big in the summer transfer window. Redknapp is almost certain to sign a new keeper with the ageing David James thinking of retirement this year and the prospects of facing top European clubs with Jamie Ashdown, a concern for Portsmouth who may release the keeper before the start of the season. Favoured to take his spot is Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland, who is looking to escape a year in the Championship after Wigan was relegated last season. Redknapp also enquiring about Manchester City keeper Joe Hart, but being told firmly he is not for sale. A certain addition to the Portsmouth line-up will be Peter Whittingham, the Cardiff City winger impressing Redknapp in last season’s FA Cup final so much, Redknapp was said to of called Cardiff City manager Dave Jones the week after to discuss the move. Whittingham should join the club next week, with the club officials in the last stages of negotiation as you read this. In defence, Redknapp has shown interest in recently club-less Argentine legend Juan Pablo Sorin. Sorin has been quoted as saying he wants one last swan song before retiring and with Portsmouth in the UEFA Cup, the club may just be what he is looking for. With the ability to play almost anywhere on the field, Sorin will not only bring his great technical skill to the club but also great leadership qualities that Portsmouth may need if rumours surrounding Sol Campbell’s departure from the club are true. Along with the rumours surrounding Campbell’s departure and as we mentoned before Jamie Ashdown’s imminent release from the club, Redknapp may use the summer transfer window to unload a number of ageing squad members including Noe Paromot, Hermann Hreidarsson and Richard Hughes. Peter Whittingham set to join Pompey within the next week. Juan Pablo Sorin on Redknapps list of targets this summer Last edited by JDefoe14; 20-08-2008 at 05:55 AM..