The asking price for "Manelele" is reportedly £12 million, a price that Harry Redknapp is not prepared to pay. It's a shame that he has to go as he clearly has the ability to play at the top level but he's not quite worth his huge transfer fee yet. He has said that he would like to stay here but it looks like that's not going to be the case, due to agents inserting X amount of clauses into his contract.
However, I think it would be more sensible for Harry to preserve this transfer money for other areas of the squad. It wouldn't make sense to spend a huge amount of cash on a central midfielder given the outstanding form of Pedro Mendes and Sean Davis this season. The gaffer has already expressed his wish for a winger and defensive cover in January. Another top quality striker wouldn't go amiss either.
Maybe the departure of Fernandes will mean that Pompey renew their interest in Toulouse midfielder Achille Emana. We were close to signing the Cameroonian in the summer but a move never materialised although the player has recently expressed his desire to move to England.
In other news, Kanu has expressed his desire for a new contract in January. The Nigerian currently lives in London but he has now said that he is looking for stability and that he'd like a long term contract at the club.
Kanu told the Daily Mirror "It's down to Portsmouth to say 'yes, he has done enough for us' and to reward me with something. I hope it happens that way." Now you can't take what the Daily Mirror says for granted but it's more reputable than a Nigerian radio station "interview" and judging by the comments of the Pompey hitman, it seems like he wants to stay.
For now though, we will be saying goodbye to Manuel Fernandes in the New Year, or will we? Who knows? Maybe the deal can be re-negotiated or perhaps his loan could be extended to the end of the season?
You never know with this club, do you?