Nwankwo Kanu has revealed he is confident of signing a new two-year deal to remain with Uefa Cup hopefuls Portsmouth. The Nigerian striker's future at Fratton Park has been in some doubt, despite an impressive campaign, as he has been angling for a longer contract than the one-year deal Pompey were keen to tie him to. Kanu was seeking a longer agreement before moving from London to live closer to the club, after admitting that his long commute was having a negative impact on his family life.
However, it now appears that Pompey have relented on their insistence on a one-year deal and look set to keep hold of the former Arsenal man for a further two years.
"I think the progress is on. My agent is negotiating with them and it just needs a little more time," said Kanu. "I want to stay. I have always wanted to stay but the travelling is a problem and I think that will be sorted in the new contract."
Kanu can help Pompey clinch a Uefa Cup place on Sunday against former club Arsenal, as they must beat The Gunners and hope that both Bolton or Reading fail to win in their respective games. The Nigerian hit-man, who has claimed 12 goals this season, is determined to lead the South Coast side to Europe as a reward for the Fratton Park faithful.
"We have had a fantastic season here and now it is great we are fighting for our European passport rather than fighting against relegation," Kanu added. "To get into Europe would be great for the club, great for the players, but most of all we want to give something back to the supporters. We don't want to disappoint them."
Showing posts with label portsmouth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label portsmouth. Show all posts
Saturday, 12 May 2007
Friday, 11 May 2007
Redknapp Eyes New Signings
Harry Redknapp believes he will have to bring in ten new players if Portsmouth qualify for the Uefa Cup.
Pompey must beat Arsenal on the final day of the season and hope that Bolton and Reading both fail to win in order to secure European football for next season. Redknapp feels the additional workload of the Uefa Cup would put a huge strain on his current squad, but would relish the challenge of building for the competition.
He explained: "That's what we are all here for. That is what it is all about. You need new challenges, you need to keep building and improving your squad. It will be great for us to get into Europe but we can't take it on with what we've got. We are going to need about ten extra players because if you are going to be successful in the Uefa Cup you are going to play at least ten extra games. It starts like a cup competition, goes into a league format and then back to a cup again. Ask Newcastle and Tottenham how difficult that was to handle this season."
Arsenal are likely to field an under-strength team on Sunday but have never lost to Portsmouth in the Premiership and Redknapp accepts it will be difficult for his side to claim the three points they need.
"If we let them get into their passing game we could get murdered," he said. "We've got to go at them right from the start like we did in beating Manchester United, Newcastle and Liverpool at Fratton Park. It would be great to add Arsenal's name to that list.
Pompey must beat Arsenal on the final day of the season and hope that Bolton and Reading both fail to win in order to secure European football for next season. Redknapp feels the additional workload of the Uefa Cup would put a huge strain on his current squad, but would relish the challenge of building for the competition.
He explained: "That's what we are all here for. That is what it is all about. You need new challenges, you need to keep building and improving your squad. It will be great for us to get into Europe but we can't take it on with what we've got. We are going to need about ten extra players because if you are going to be successful in the Uefa Cup you are going to play at least ten extra games. It starts like a cup competition, goes into a league format and then back to a cup again. Ask Newcastle and Tottenham how difficult that was to handle this season."
Arsenal are likely to field an under-strength team on Sunday but have never lost to Portsmouth in the Premiership and Redknapp accepts it will be difficult for his side to claim the three points they need.
"If we let them get into their passing game we could get murdered," he said. "We've got to go at them right from the start like we did in beating Manchester United, Newcastle and Liverpool at Fratton Park. It would be great to add Arsenal's name to that list.
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
Latest Pompey News
Portsmouth are being linked with a raid for highly-rated Italian marksman Rolando Bianchi.
The 24-year-old is only behind Francesco Totti and Cristiano Lucarelli in the Serie A goalscoring charts after bagging 17 goals so far this term. Bianchi has shone for Reggina and is attracting a great deal of attention in both Italy and abroad.
Juventus are believed to hold a firm interest - but Premiership scouts are a familiar thing at Stadio Oreste Granillo this term. Indeed Liverpool and Boro have both been touted as possible bidders, as Pompey are now. Portsmouth are looking to bolster their striking ranks next term with the likely departure of top-scorer Kanu.
Another name Pompey are being strongly linked with is former ace Yakubu Aiyegbeni. Portsmouth sold him to Middlesbrough in 2005, but manager Harry Redknapp has rued his sale ever since and remains a big fan. However, with Boro struggling to hold onto Mark Viduka - it would appear unlikely they would be willing to let the Nigerian depart.
The 24-year-old is only behind Francesco Totti and Cristiano Lucarelli in the Serie A goalscoring charts after bagging 17 goals so far this term. Bianchi has shone for Reggina and is attracting a great deal of attention in both Italy and abroad.
Juventus are believed to hold a firm interest - but Premiership scouts are a familiar thing at Stadio Oreste Granillo this term. Indeed Liverpool and Boro have both been touted as possible bidders, as Pompey are now. Portsmouth are looking to bolster their striking ranks next term with the likely departure of top-scorer Kanu.
Another name Pompey are being strongly linked with is former ace Yakubu Aiyegbeni. Portsmouth sold him to Middlesbrough in 2005, but manager Harry Redknapp has rued his sale ever since and remains a big fan. However, with Boro struggling to hold onto Mark Viduka - it would appear unlikely they would be willing to let the Nigerian depart.
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