Redknapp fury at director reports

"We have two or three really good candidates," Mandaric told BBC Five Live. "There's someone from England and some from abroad."

But he maintained: "I do not think Harry Redknapp will leave, he will have no reason to.

"When we talk he will find out we are enhancing the quality of the club."

Mandaric added: "We are helping Harry with his job.

"He will be in control - he will still be responsible for players. The final word will Harry's - no-one is taking that away from him.

Redknapp, who watched his team lose the south-coast derby against Southampton on Saturday, had earlier indicated he would leave if Mandaric does bring a director of football to the club.

"I think you know I'm a football manager and if I'm not in control, I'm not here, am I?" he was quoted as saying.

I think Harry has been misquoted if he says he is going to walk out Milan Mandaric

"The chairman said he is looking to bring someone onto the board who knows about football.

"I'm a football manager, I've got Jim Smith, who is 60-odd years of age and a football manager, do you really think we need someone to tell us what to do?"

But Mandaric, speaking on Sportsweek, maintained that a director of football is necessary if the club are to continue to move forward.

"Bringing a director of football onto the board who is responsible for football is a great addition," he said.

"Everyone should not forget that for many years this club was fighting relegation - financially unstable both on and off the field.

"I'm trying to establish this club in the Premiership and for that I need more people than I have today."

But he went on to point out that there is no set timeframe on appointing anyone.

"It's hard to say [when an appointment] will be made. It is not something we have to do tomorrow.

"We have to make sure we get the right person and we do not care where they come from."