Premier League Rumour Mill: Fulham and Reading join Tottenham in chase for Portsmouth outcast Taylor

Taylor, who can operate effectively at left-back or in an advanced position in midfield, has had first-team chances limited by the excellent form of Croatia's Euro 2008 hero Niko Kranjcar.

Talks over his future have led to former Luton Town favourite taylor being told he can find new employers if the price is right and Redknapp admitted: "Niko has been playing so well that it's been difficult for Matty.

"I understand his position. If he's unhappy and someone made a good offer then we would not stand in his way. I do not want to lose him. I like him very much. He's a good pro, he's done a terrific job for this club.

"But I'm not going to keep a player who wants to go – that's never been my policy."

Tottenham have been linked with the 26-year-old player in the past but are not believed to be in the running this time around and Redknapp added: "I understand exactly how Matty feels not being in the team at the moment. He's a good lad who trains hard and shows a fantastic attitude.

"If he wants to move and it's a good offer then I wouldn't stop him but it would have to take a good offer."

Taylor has made 198 appearances and scored 29 goals since joining Pompey in the summer of 2002.

Portsmouth are looking to strengthen during the January transfer window but Stuttgart's Portuguese defender Fernando Meira has turned down a move to the South Coast club.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has been linked with a move for Scotland striker Kris Boyd if Rangers crash out of the Champions League this week while Wolves winger Michael Kightly is being targeted for a switch to Italian football with Torino.

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is ready to rival West Ham for £5m Derby midfielder Giles Barnes and will have to look for a new central defender as Olof Mellberg looks set to go to Juventus.

Blackburn want a second look at Senegalese trialist Dino Djiba who could leave Metz for a knockdown fee in January and Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez is ready to make a move for Watford captain Marlon King.

Coventry City look set to be saved from administration by a takeover bid from the billionaire businessman, film director and actor Alki David.

And Derby are considering a bid from Wolves for striker Steve Howard, so they can buy Jason Roberts from Blackburn.

Rumour of the day: Newcastle chairman Chris Mort has admitted he and chairman Mike Ashley have held talks over manager Sam Allardyce's position.

No chance: Newcastle and Sunderland are stepping up their interest in Manchester United defender Wes Brown but he will soon agree a new contract at Old Trafford.