Redknapp would welcome back Benjani - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Redknapp would welcome back Benjani

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp insists he will welcome back Benjani Mwaruwari, if the striker's move to Manchester City does not go through.

Benjani's future will be decided on Monday by the Premier League after his initial deal to join City on transfer deadline day stalled after he turned up several hours late at Eastlands.

And Redknapp admits he would happily keep the striker, saying: "I didn't want to lose him in the first place but, of course, I had to because it is good business to sell a 29-year-old and get in a lad of 25 (Jermain Defoe) who is always going to get you goals."

He added: "I feel for Benjani because at the moment he seems to be the big loser in all this, but hopefully it will all be sorted out and I think he will end up as a Manchester City player.

"If not, from a greedy football manager's point of view, I'd be delighted to get Benjani back."

Both clubs were in negotiations with each other on Friday to try to find an acceptable settlement - and the Premier League are expected to decide the outcome on Monday.

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