Daily Independent Online.
*
Wednesday, June 30, 2004.
Portsmouth plans life without
Aiyegbeni
Harry Redknapp is actively drawing up his
list of targets for next season with Les Ferdinand a major chase. The Pompey
coach is looking to bolster his attacking options with Yakubu Aiyegbeni set to
leave Fratton Park.
Portsmouth only part own Aiyegbeni after
landing him from Israeli outfit Maccabi Haifa and they are set to lose him to
Middlesbrough.
Redknapp told local radio station The Quay
that he is resigned to losing the Nigerian international hit-man.
Aiyegbeni on his part was also quoted as
saying he would relish a move to the Riverside. “It’s every player's dream to move to bigger
challenges and prospect and am not left out”
Ferdinand is considering his options
following Leicester's relegation from The Premiership last season and he could
be tempted to move to Pompey for one last hurrah in the top-flight.
"It would be wrong to say I'm not
interested in Les - I have always liked him," confirmed Redknapp.
Meanwhile, Redknapp has been an interested
observer at Euro 2004 as he scours the transfer market for prospective new
signings. Czech Republic ace Karel Poborsky and Croatia defender Josip Simunic
are thought to have caught his eye.
Poborsky, who endured a disappointing spell
with Manchester United after Euro 96, has impressed in Portugal with a number
of impressive performances.
A move for Poborsky seems unlikely as the
flying winger rejected the overtures of several Italian clubs last year to
return to his homeland with Sparta Prague.
Redknapp has admitted his interest in
Hertha Berlin defender Simunic after watching him in action for Croatia.
"I like Simunic, he's a big lad who
doesn't look the quickest but he's a terrific footballer," he added.
