Redknapp interested in Harewood bid

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp plans to bolster his attack this summer and is monitoring West Ham striker Marlon Harewood.

Harewood, 27, has been tipped for a move from Upton Park after being criticised by fans while the Hammers were struggling last season.

Despite just four goals during the campaign, Harewood has still been linked with a host of clubs for a deal worth around £3m.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on Marlon. I like him – he’s strong, quick and powerful,” said Redknapp in the Portsmouth News.

“He’s a real handful on his day and most of all, can definitely get you goals in the Premier League. If he could get 15 goals again, he’d be a snip.”

Harewood’s departure would leave Alan Curbishley looking for reinforcements in attack. Benfica striker Nuno Gomes has been linked with a move to Upton Park but there is believed to be interest from Serie A clubs.

Italian media sources also expect Argentina forward Carlos Tevez, who led West Ham to safety in May, to join Inter Milan for the new season.

Curbishley is expected to strengthen his defence as well, particularly with Paul Konchesky out of favour since Curbishley’s appointment in December.

Nicky Shorey, who grew up near West Ham’s training ground in Chadwell Heath and has family connections with the club, is in contract talks with Reading but admits being linked with clubs such as West Ham is flattering.

“I’ve been happy at Reading for a long time now but we’ll just have to see what happens,” said Shorey in the Reading Evening Post. “I’m going into the talks wanting to sort out my future with the club because I’ve done well at Reading.”

He added: “Interest from those clubs is definitely flattering.

“I’ve always wanted to do as well as I can and when you do well, speculation will always be there. To be honest, though, I can never say never.”