Diarra: Talented midfielder

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Teams

• Manchester City
• Portsmouth
• More TeamsRoma

Players

• Niko Kranjcar
• Lassana Diarra

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Harry Redknapp has warned off any potential suitors of Lassana Diarra and Niko Kranjcar.

Having enjoyed a fine 2007/08 season, which included an FA Cup triumph, Pompey are determined to carry that momentum into the next campaign.

They have built a squad capable of mounting a top-half challenge in the Premier League, while they will also have the welcome distraction of the Uefa Cup in 2008/09.

Unfortunately for boss Redknapp, one of the trappings of success is the increased level of interest in his best players.

The veteran coach has seen his French international midfielder Diarra linked with a move to Manchester City, while Croatian playmaker Kranjcar is rumoured to be interesting Serie A giants Roma.

Neither looks likely to leave Fratton Park this summer, though, as Redknapp has made it clear that he has no intention of parting company with any player who figures in his plans for the future.

Terrific player

"It's absolute rubbish - there's not a chance I want to let Lassana go," he told The News.

"There will always be speculation about good players, but there's no way that's a possibility.

"There's not a chance we want to lose him.

"I haven't heard about any interest from Roma for Niko, but I'm sure there will be a lot of clubs interested in Niko.

"He's a terrific player and there will be some top clubs interested in him.

"But we want to keep our best players."