Muntari saga halts Mendes move

Glasgow giants may miss out on midfielder

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 25th July 2008

pedro mendes portsmouth

Mendes: Gers target

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Rangers appear destined to fail in their attempts to lure Portsmouth's Pedro Mendes to Ibrox.

The Gers were believed to have held talks with Pompey in regards to a £2.5million move for the Portuguese midfielder.

However, Inter Milan's interest in Ghana international Sulley Muntari may have scuppered their plans.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp confirmed as much, revealing that he would be reluctant to part with Mendes should he lose Muntari to Jose Mourinho's men.

"Yes, I did speak to Walter about a couple of players and he said he liked Mendes," Redknapp told the Daily Record.

Wages

"I think his wages might have been an issue for Rangers but the biggest problem is that with Muntari going I will need Pedro in my team.

"He played his way back into our side for the FA Cup Final - he's a terrific player and a really good lad - and now Muntari is leaving I need him to stay.

"Pedro is not a player I want to lose."

Redknapp did concede that he would still be prepared to part with Mendes should he receive an offer he could not refuse, but is under no pressure to sell any members of his Fratton Park squad.

"Because of the Muntari deal I don't need to sell anyone else so it would take a big offer for me to consider letting Pedro go," he added.

Davis

Meanwhile, Redknapp is surprised that there have been no takers for Sean Davies.

The former Tottenham midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at Fratton Park and would be allowed to leave this summer should Pompey receive a suitable offer.

"Davis is a player who can hold his own in the Premier League and I am surprised that no-one has come in for him," said Redknapp.