Redknapp ups ante at Pompey

HARRY REDKNAPP spent £13 million in a single day on strikers David Nugent and John Utaka to bring Portsmouth’s summer outlay to a massive £22 million – and yet still admitted he seeks a pacy winger to complete his Fratton Park jigsaw for the new season.

But that could change if Nigerian star Utaka can help persuade his international team-mate Nwankwo Kanu to sign a new deal with Pompey after top-scoring for them last term.

Utaka, 25, notched 23 goals in 73 games for previous club Rennes in France, but his dribbling skills and ability to find space on the flanks are considered his best qualities.

Now Utaka – who could eventually cost a club record of around £8 million, based on his performances for Portsmouth in the Premier League – wants to see pal Kanu commit his future to the south coast side.

Kanu, 31 next month, has so far refused to sign a new one-year deal which would trigger an additional year if he plays in 20 games or more next term.

He has not yet returned to Fratton Park to join his team-mates on a west country tour which has started with a training camp near Torquay and will continue with their first pre-season friendly this weekend against Yeovil.