Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has all-but conceded defeat in the race to sign Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul.

Having snubbed Sunderland, the 22-year-old centre back had looked destined for Fratton Park but Redknapp today revealed that he would have to sell players to finance any deal.

And the 61-year-old added that Aston Villa were now leading the chase for the Frenchman, as well as another his main targets, Reading's Nicky Shorey.

"Villa are still in front for Kaboul. They are also about to take Shorey," Redknapp told The News.

"I was interested in Shorey so I'm disappointed, but we are going to have to sell one or two to do something. It's not a bottomless pit after all.

"You need to sell, really, to bring someone in. That is how it is and how it should be, it's not a problem."

[Guardian-Series]

Subscribe to the post comments feeds or Leave a trackback