Todorov netted 27 goals as Pompey won promotion four years ago

After two goals in Pompey's first three games this season, the 28-year old was sent on loan to Wigan for four months.

Since his January return, he had not figured in Redknapp's squad until last week as a substitute against Fulham.

Redknapp said: "I've told Toddy I want to keep him here next season and I've asked chief executive Peter Storrie to offer him a new contract."

But he has worked hard and is twice as strong as the boy I had at West Ham - and who got almighty stick at first from the punters here Harry Redknapp on Svetoslav Todorov

Former West Ham forward Todorov has recovered from a knee ligament injury, which sidelined him for the best part of two years.

It was assumed he would leave at the end of his contract in June but Redknapp wants him to be involved in the majority of Pompey's remaining games this season after loaning out Andy Cole to Birmingham.

Redknapp added: "I've always liked Toddy. He's a smashing boy, a good player, who can nick a goal for you but I wouldn't say he's been unfortunate here.

"He was unlucky to get the injury but the club has stuck by him and he's been injured again a few times since he came back from Wigan, who had the option to keep him.

"But he has worked hard and is twice as strong as the boy I had at West Ham - and who got almighty stick at first from the punters here."

Todorov's new offer is expected to be one more year but a similar offer has not impressed top scorer Kanu.

The Nigerian was told he would be offered an extra year - if he plays a certain amount of games - but the 30-year-old wants something more solid.

But Redknapp said: "How can you criticise Kanu? He's got goals for us and been absolutely brilliant.