Magpies determined to get their man

NEWCASTLE were yesterday closing in on their man as they stepped up efforts to lure Harry Redknapp to St James’ Park.

Redknapp did not attend Portsmouth’s scheduled pre-match press conference, leaving the club’s training as the media gathered amid mounting speculation over the Magpies’ interest.

The Tyneside club were preparing to formalise their interest in the 60-year-old yesterday by making an approach to Pompey for permission to speak to him. Neither club would confirm or deny contact was made yesterday.