Arsenal lose interest in Carrick

ARSENAL have dropped out of the running to sign Michael Carrick but five other clubs are still keen to sign him, according to West Ham manager Alan Pardew.

Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has told his manager Harry Redknapp to pull out all the stops to sign the 23-year-old and may be ready to up the ante still further following a club record £3m bid after Arsenal decided not to follow up Arsene Wenger’s admitted interest with a firm bid.

West Ham manager Pardew confirmed: “Arsenal came in but then dropped out again. We don’t want Michael to go anywhere and would love him to sign a new contract, but I can’t see it happening. There are five clubs still interested in signing him.”

Crystal Palace and West Brom have already made bids for Carrick while Everton are also reportedly interested. And Portsmouth’s need is urgent after a plan to buy Angelis Basinas fell through.