Pompey eye Hammers hit-man

Premier League / Editor / 27 June 2007 / Leave a Comment

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed he would be interested in signing
West Ham striker Marlon Harewood.

The former Nottingham Forest forward scored just four goals last season as the Hammers narrowly avoided relegation from the Premiership and does not figure in the plans of Upton Park boss Alan Curbishley.

Birmingham City have already had a £2million bid for the 27-year-old rejected, while Manchester City, Fulham and Aston Villa are also interested.

Redknapp is keen to draft in a proven striker and, although Manchester United firebrand Alan Smith is of interest, the Fratton Park boss is concerned about his goals return.

Redknapp told The News: "I've been keeping an eye on Marlon. I like him. He's strong, quick and powerful.

"He's a real handful on his day and most of all, can definitely get you goals in the Premier League. If he could get 15 goals again, he'd be a snip.

Pompey narrowly missed out on a place in Europe last season and will be targeting the UEFA Cup again this campaign.

They can be backed at 8 for a top 6 Premiership finish in a developing Betfair market, while they trade at 23 in the "Winner without the Big 4" market.

Redknapp is known as a 'wheeler-dealer' manager who can sniff a bargain around the leagues and it appears that he is keen to work his magic again during the summer.

"He's not really expensive, just above £3m is not crazy money," added the former West Ham boss. "It looks real value. I'm just looking everywhere at the moment."