Mandaric frustrated at Saints deadlock

PORTSMOUTH chairman Milan Mandaric is approaching crunch time in his efforts to recruit a new manager.

He must now consider whether to meet Southampton’s compensation demands for Harry Redknapp or begin the process of interviewing new candidates for the job.

Redknapp has become the front-runner since resigning from Southampton but Saints chairman Rupert Lowe is asking for more than the £50,000 - plus £75,000 if Portsmouth beat the drop - which has been offered by Mandaric.

The Premiership strugglers could now turn to Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez, Rangers’ under-fire Alex McLeish or former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr, who have all entered the equation.

There was only deadlock yesterday on the south coast, with Mandaric saying of Lowe: “He (Lowe) is too busy today hunting the ducks - that’s more important to him than the football.”