Portsmouth Football Club News

• Nickname:Pompey
• Founded:1898
• Manager:Michael Appleton

• Ground:Fratton Park
• Capacity:19,179

Redknapp rejects Kanu exit

14 Feb 2008 - 12:49:02

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Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has dismissed reports that veteran striker Nwankwo Kanu is set to complete a move to Australian football.

The 31-year-old forward's agent was quoted as saying earlier in the week that Gold Coast Galaxy were interested and Kanu was keen to talk to the Australian club.

But although Redknapp claims he would not stand in Kanu's way should he wish to quit Fratton Park, the Pompey boss doesn't believe that is the case.

"If he wants to go I wouldn't stand in Kanu's way. You don't want unhappy players and I've never tried to keep them here," he said.

"But I think talk of Australia is just a lot of cobblers. I think he wants to stay here. The lad seems to be happy and I don't want him to go anywhere. He has been terrific for me.

"He is out of contract at the end of the season but I want him to stay here and I think he wants to stay."

Kanu will automatically earn a new contract if he makes two more Premier League appearances for the south coast club this season.

The former Ajax, Internazionale and Arsenal striker will trigger a clause in his existing deal for a further 12 months if he reaches 20 league appearances.