Pompey to pursue Redknapp

Portsmouth will approach Southampton today for permission to talk to Harry Redknapp about making a stunning return to Fratton Park.

The managerless Fratton Park club will also make a second attempt to speak with Alex McLeish, after Rangers turned down an initial approach on Tuesday.

Neil Warnock’s decision to stay at Sheffield United means chairman Milan Mandaric is turning his focus onto Redknapp – who quit Portsmouth in November 2004 and weeks later made the controversial move to neighbours Southampton – and McLeish.

Mandaric also claimed the list of candidates had grown and there were new names to consider.

He told Sky Sports News: “We are going to approach Southampton today and ask for permission to talk to Harry.”

As for speaking with Rangers for a second time, Mandaric added: “We will do that as well today.”