Redknapp confident of Pompey return

HARRY REDKNAPP believes he remains the front-runner to be named Portsmouth’s new manager.

The Barclays Premiership strugglers looked to be turning their focus away from Redknapp and onto new targets, including Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez and former Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr, after Southampton turned down a compensation offer.

Redknapp considers it impossible to resume duties at St Mary's after effectively giving up his job as manager on Saturday, in protest at chairman Rupert Lowe's decision to prevent him speaking to Portsmouth about the Fratton Park vacancy.