Redknapp's Harte-stopper

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp could be ready to make a move for Leeds United’s Ireland left back Ian Harte if he fails to land Argentinian Juan Pablo Sorin.

Harte was out of favour for much of last season under Terry Venables’ management at Elland Road and even though he regained his place when Peter Reid took over he is still concerned over his future at the troubled Yorkshire club.

Redknapp is keen to add more new blood to newly-promoted Pompey’s squad and was initially confident the south coast club could match Sorin’s wages at Brazilian club Cruizeros who would, reportedly, jump at the chance of a £2m (€2.8m) fee.

Now, though, there are doubts about the financial practicality of the deal and Redknapp admits: “I’m still looking around at left backs and I like Ian Harte. I want to see what his situation is at Leeds.”

But he told Pompey’s official website: “I won’t rush in to sign somebody just for the sake of it. I know that with a few more quality players to add to our starting 11 we might surprise a few people in the Premiership, but we’ve still got two weeks to the transfer deadline to get someone.”

Redknapp has already brought in six new faces this summer but Portsmouth could face a rap from the Football Association over the latest of them, Senegal midfielder Amdy Faye who cost £1.5m (€2.13m) from Auxerre.

Redknapp faced competition from Middlesbrough and Manchester City for a player who has been extravagantly labelled “the new Patrick Vieira” and it has been reported that he fielded the player under an assumed name – Andy Henry – in a friendly against Brentford before signing him.

Such action would be against FA rules for a match played in front of paying customers and they have confirmed they will be writing to Portsmouth seeking the club’s observations.

Chief executive Peter Storrie, however, is making no comment on the issue.