Pompey saga set for conclusion

Harry Redknapp looks set to return to Portsmouth after the Barclays Premiership strugglers announced they will hold a 5pm press conference.

The 58-year-old walked out of south coast rivals Southampton on Saturday after being barred from talking to his former club, who need a replacement for sacked Frenchman Alain Perrin.

The Saints rejected a first offer of up to £125,000 (€184,000) in compensation from Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric as “derisory” but it appears the two clubs may have now reached an agreement.

Redknapp insists he is “ready” to begin work with Portsmouth having quit the Fratton Park club last year after falling out with Mandaric.

“I’m glad to hear the two chairmen are talking together to get this resolved,” Redknapp told Sky Sports News this afternoon.

“It’s only a few days before Portsmouth’s next match against Tottenham. I want the players to be ready – I am ready.”

Mandaric is also hopeful Redknapp will return to the club as manager.

Asked by Sky Sports if he hoped Redknapp would take over as Pompey boss for a second time, Mandaric said: “I hope he does but I would like everyone to be patient.

“I do not know [if it will happen] but we will find out. I am working on it. My feeling is to do what is best for the club. I am working for the club, not for Milan, nor Harry, but the club.”

It is just over a year since Redknapp resigned from Portsmouth after Mandaric brought in an executive director, Velimir Zajec, over his head.

He then shocked Pompey fans by moving in at Southampton, but could not save them from being relegated from the Premiership.

He now claims the Saints job was one he never considered taking on a long-term basis.

“I never thought I was here for the long haul,” he said. “I think I made a big mistake (leaving Portsmouth).”