Redknapp rules out quartet

Pompey boss rubbishes rumours

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 21st August 2008

Harry Redknapp Portsmouth manager

Redknapp: Quartet ruled out

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Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has ruled out moves for a quartet of continental stars.

The Pompey boss has made no secret of his desire to bring new faces to the club, should suitable options be available.

However, he has rubbished the latest round of rumours linking the Fratton Park outfit with a host of possible targets.

"Juan Pablo Sorin arriving is absolute rubbish. I don't even know where he is," Redknapp told The News.

"I'm not interested in Thomas Gravesen. As for Stephen Appiah, he's injured at the moment, that's why he's left Fenerbahce.

"We won't be signing Jordi Lopez, either. He's gone after his trial. We didn't want to keep him."

Free agents

Argentina international Sorin is currently a free agent following his release by Hamburg, while Danish midfielder Gravesen is in a similar situation after leaving Celtic this summer.

Ghanaian star Appiah recently terminated his contract at Turkish giants Fenerbahce, and Lopez has gone on trial at Blackburn.

Meanwhile, Redknapp has challenged John Utaka to prove that he can cut it in the Premier League.

The winger has slipped out of first team contention of late, leading to rumours of a return to France with Lille.

While Redknapp will not be drawn on the 26-year-old's future, he has warned the Nigerian that he needs to up his game.

Pace

He said: "I need a bit of pace in the team, it's something we're short of. John Utaka could give us a bit of pace and wide options for sure, he can run quick.

"He's got to use that pace, though, that's the key. He's got to get the ball, work hard, try to use his pace at the right times and take people on at the right times. That hasn't happened yet.

"John's got to put all these together. He's got to put his game together a little bit more.

"It will be a big year for him, it's got to be. He did okay last season but I am expecting better from him.

"In fairness, it takes a year to settle in for lots of foreign players. It's a different game and we are asking them to do different things.

"It's a case of you need to work on people on the training ground and hopefully it sinks in. We just need more from him."