Redknapp would be reluctant to see Kanu leave Portsmouth

Harry Redknapp has dismissed suggestions of striker Nwankwo Kanu moving to Australia as a "lot of cobblers".

But the Portsmouth manager admitted he would not stand in the player's way if he wants to walk away from Fratton Park at the end of the season.

Kanu's agent Samuel Okoronkwo claims new Australian club Gold Coast Galaxy have expressed an interest in signing Kanu when they enter the Australian A league later this year.

He admits it is something he and Kanu "would like to discuss".

And Redknapp said, "If he wants to go I wouldn't stand in Kanu's way. You don't want unhappy players and I've never tried to keep them here.

"But I think talk of Australia is just a lot of cobblers, though.

"I think he wants to stay here. The lad seems to be happy and I don't want him to go anywhere. He has been terrific for me.

"He is out of contract at the end of the season but I want him to stay here - and I think he wants to stay."

In fact, Kanu, 31, needs just two more first-team appearances this season - making a total of 20 - to activate a clause in his latest Portsmouth contract which entitles him to the option of another one-year deal.

Kanu made his comeback for Pompey as a substitute in the 1-0 win at Bolton last week after recovering from a knee injury sustained in Nigeria's Nations Cup campaign.

He now looks favourite to lead the attack on Sunday at Deepdale against Preston in the FA Cup.