Redknapp wants new deal for Todorov

Harry Redknapp has urged Portsmouth to give “forgotten” striker Svetoslav Todorov a new contract.

The Bulgaria international, 28, made his first-team comeback as a substitute at Fulham last week and will be on the bench again against Manchester United at Fratton Park tonight.

Despite his absence Todorov remains a firm favourite with the Pompey fans who recall his 27 goals spearheading their promotion to the Premiership four years ago – followed by the agony of rupturing a knee ligament which sidelined him for the best part of the next two years.

But after two goals in Pompey’s first three games this season he was sent on loan for four months at Wigan – and since his January return had not figured in Redknapp’s squad until last week.

It was assumed he would leave at the end of his contract in June but Redknapp has insisted Todorov will be involved in the majority of Pompey’s remaining games this season following the loan of Andy Cole to Birmingham.

Redknapp said: “I’ve told Toddy I want to keep him here next season. I’ve asked chief executive Peter Storrie to offer him a new contract.

“I’ve always liked Toddy. He’s a smashing boy, a good player who can nick a goal for you but I wouldn’t say he’s been unfortunate here.

“He was unlucky to get the injury but the club has stuck by him and he’s been injured again a few times since he came back from Wigan, who had the option to keep him.

“But he’s worked hard and is twice as strong as the boy I had at West Ham - and who got almighty stick at first from the punters here.

“He has built up his physique in the gym because he was once too easy to knock off the ball. I have heard there are clubs chasing him but I don’t think he will want to drop down a division.”

Todorov’s new offer is expected to be one more year but a similar offer has not impressed top scorer Kanu, who may leave unless he is handed a longer agreement.

The Nigerian, signed on a free transfer from West Brom in the summer, would be offered an extra year provided he played a certain amount of games next term but the 30-year-old wants something more solid.

Redknapp said: “It is no good offering long-term deals to players over 30. They could suddenly hit the wall and you are stuck with them.

But he defended his 12-goal ace saying: “How can you criticise Kanu? He’s got goals for us and been absolutely brilliant. If you get the ball in to him, he will do damage.”

The former Ajax, Inter Milan and Arsenal forward may fill a lone role up front tonight.

Redknapp joked: “A partner for him? No, I’m going to play none up front against United.

“I don’t know what we need from the two Easter games (the second at bottom-of-the-table Watford on Monday). I’m not even thinking about Europe now but it can all change so quickly. I just want us to finish as high as we can.”