Redknapp: Kanu can go

25.05.2008

Nwankwo Kanu (right) celebrates with
teammate, Sulley Muntari after scoring
against Cardiff in the FA Cup final.PORTSMOUTH’S FA Cup hero, Nigerian international, Nwankwo Kanu could be on his way out of Fratton Park.

According to The Sun, Harry Redknapp is prepared to let his match-winner go if he can tempt either Peter Crouch from Liverpool or Sunderland’s Kenwyne Jones.

Redknapp’s desire to bring Crouch to Fratton Park could only be possible if Portsmouth could cough up £15 million for the out-of-favour England striker, as Liverpool manager, Rafa Benitez insists on £15m for the services of the striker.

Kanu bagged the only goal penultimate Saturday against Cardiff City to earn Pompey their first FA Cup triumph since 1939.

But if Redknapp can land some new firepower, his two-year stay at Fratton Park could be over. Kanu joined Portsmouth in 2006 after spells with Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal and West Brom.

The Nigerian international has scored 19 goals in 69 games for Portsmouth. Pompey chief executive, Peter Storrie had told BBC Radio Solent last week: “The offer is on the table, and we are waiting for Kanu to come back to us.”

While saying that the new offer is up for grabs for Kanu, the chief executive said it was left for the Nigerian to decide if he wanted to stay or not. “It is a good offer, and hopefully he will decide that he wants to stay.”

“Kanu had an automatic option for another year once he played so many games so he automatically renews for a year,” said Storrie. “It’s entirely up to him now to sign it. He’s had the letters.”

A clause in Kanu’s current deal with Portsmouth assures him of another year contract extension if he is able to play up to 25 matches in the last season. The Nigerian striker play a total of 31 matches for the Redknapp side and scored seven goals, including the heroic Wembley goal that gave Portsmouth its first FA Cup title in 69 years.