PAULO SET FOR UPTON PARK EXIT?
The unpredictable forward was offered to Malaga by his agent earlier in July, but Redknapp’s comments may alert a host of other managers, including Celtic boss Martin O’Neill.
To read Wanchopoe offered to Malaga, click here.
The Upton Park outfit have a host of strikers on their books, including Davor Suker and Paolo di Canio, and Redknapp would much rather release a forward than have to accept a big-money bid for England defender Rio Ferdinand.
"I need to let someone go to balance the books and Paulo is a possibility," Redknapp declared. "Martin has tried to buy him before."
Wanchope would be available for around £3.5 million, a fee well within The Bhoys’ asking price after the sale of Mark Viduka to Leeds, but there are certain to be other teams interested in the talented 24-year-old.
Meanwhile, Redknapp has blasted Aston Villa for trying to lure Frank Lampard to the Midlands.
The midfielder was the subject of a reported move to Villa Park, something which angered The Hammers boss.
"Why would Frank want to go to a smaller club?" he said. "I’m sick of all this talk that Frank is on his way to Villa. It’s just nonsense."
Redknapp also went on the offensive over the proposed £15 million bid from Barcelona for England international Rio Ferdinand.
"Why would I want to sell Rio Ferdinand now for £15 million, when he will be worth £20 million next year?
"For a start, Barcelona haven’t been in touch, that was just paper talk. Rio isn’t going anywhere, not for £15 million because we haven’t got enough defenders without him.
"And obviously his value is going to grow. Next year he’ll be playing for England and he’ll be worth millions more."
