Redknapp steps up striker search

Harry Redknapp and his network of scouts were today spread across Europe as Portsmouth prepare for a frantic week of transfer activity before the January window closes on Saturday night.

Redknapp, whose side advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup by beating Scunthorpe 2-1, is desperate to land two strikers after injuries and the African Nations Cup left him with Teddy Sheringham as his only fit frontman.

Redknapp’s search for a striker has already taken him far and wide in the past week.

He flew to Spain to see Alaves’ Ivan Alonso, the 24-year-old former River Plate striker, make a 15-minute substitute appearance in Thursday’s 4-2 Copa del Rey victory over Celta Vigo.

Portsmouth scouts will be in Spain again today, hoping he starts the second division clash with Eibar.

Redknapp, who only has the funds to sign players for free or on loan, also approached Newcastle about borrowing Carl Cort – only to be told a permanent deal was the only option and the striker is now expected to join Wolves.

His request to Everton to take Francis Jeffers on loan was rejected, while his pursuit for Bayer Leverkusen’s Landon Donovan is ongoing and Hungary international Attila Tokoli has been sent home after failing to impress in training.

A host of lower division strikers have attracted Redknapp’s attention but would exceed his budget – so the manager is therefore in Greece today, while his scouts again check on Alonso and another mystery player in Belgium.

“I went to watch Alonso on Thursday but he only got 15 minutes and played on the left wing so it’s difficult to tell what he’s like,” he said.

“I tried to get Jeffers and also Cort – but Newcastle said they wanted to sell rather than loan him. Attila the Hun is on his way back to Hungary. He’s useless, he’s long gone.

“There are also players in England but I couldn’t buy them for nothing.

“Lee Trundle scored Swansea again yesterday and Andy Johnson’s banging in the goals at Crystal Palace, as is Robbie Blake at Burnley.

“And someone said to me the other day why don’t you get Robert Earnshaw – but I said Good idea – but have you got £5million to buy him?”

That frustration left him longing to be reacquainted with Jermaine Defoe.

Redknapp said: “I’d love to have Defoe and I wish I could afford him.”

Redknapp also revealed a player who featured in the Cup success is poised to leave Fratton Park, just as Boris Zivkovic did when his contract was cancelled earlier this month.

He added: “I’ve got one more to go who was out there against Scunthorpe. I won’t tell you his name but hopefully he’s the next one on his way.”

While Redknapp’s efforts have been concentrated mainly off the field in the past week, his players produced the goods on it to knock out lowly Scunthorpe.

Matthew Taylor hit a brace with Andy Parton grabbing a late consolation for Scunthorpe.

Taylor said: “It’s anyone’s cup and it’s a fairytale competition and if we could produce some sort of story, that would be fantastic for the city, the football club and me personally.”

Scunthorpe now resume their fight to extend the 14-point gap between their 16th position and the foot of the Football League.

Peter Beagrie, the 38-year-old former Everton and Manchester City midfielder, returned from his hamstring injury to provide the zest Scunthorpe’s performance and boss Brian Laws is backing the veteran to continue starring for his side towards his 40th birthday.

“Peter will tell you he’s got another five years in him but we’re taking each season as it comes,” the manager said.

“He’s having a great season and keeps himself really fit – so if he keeps that going, I have every confidence he’ll still be playing next year.”