Harry wants midfielder in January sales

"Our squad is too small when we have injuries," began Redknapp. "If we can play our best side, we are good enough to finish halfway, but only two of my team cost a fee."

With Steve Stone limping off in the defeat at Chelsea, Portsmouth now face a new year without half of their available midfield - Quashie, Faye and Sherwood are all long term injury casualties.

Names being thrown around include the cream of Division One's young midfielders - as well as Wimbledon captain Nigel Reo-Coker, Nottingham Forest's Andy Reid and Millwall ace Tim Cahill have all been mentioned, and Redknapp may also attempt to open talks again with his former player, Eyal Berkovic of Manchester City.