Newcastle move for Redknapp

It is understood the Magpies are ready to make the first move in their efforts to replace Sam Allardyce by contacting the south coast club about the 60-year-old.

On Thursday evening Pompey warned they would not welcome any approach, but sources on Tyneside have suggested that Redknapp is ready to listen to what they have to say.

Redknapp emerged as one of the favourites within hours of Allardyce's departure on Wednesday evening as Alan Shearer receded in the betting following suggestions that the club was looking for an experienced manager.

A hint that the man at the top of the list was currently in work did little to quell the speculation, and Redknapp and Blackburn's Mark Hughes pulled clear at the head of the field amid an emotional groundswell for Kevin Keegan.

Redknapp insisted he had not been contacted by anyone from Newcastle and that he was happy where he was.

However he did not categorically rule himself out, something Pompey later attempted to do by issuing their own statement.

But an approach for Redknapp now seems imminent, and while Portsmouth would have every right to reject it if they so wished, they could then find themselves facing a fight to hang on to a man who may find the lure of one more big job too much to resist.

Newcastle certainly believe they can tempt Redknapp, who has worked wonders in his second spell at Fratton Park. Only the club's recent indifferent home form has denied them a place in the Barclays Premier League's top six.

However, his contentment with life on the south coast could prove a major obstacle amid rumours that the Magpies might be prepared to fly him to and from the north-east each day.