The Daily Mail says that Harry Redknapp will be taking the helm at Newcastle United despite reports that Portsmouth, his current employer, had rejected a formal approach. The British daily reports that Redknapp has decided he’s taken Portsmouth as far as he can. The former Southampton manager canceled his usual Friday press conference and left the Portsmouth training ground, presumably to negotiate personal terms with Newcastle.
The Magpies have been in search of a replacement for former boss Sam Allardyce, who was sacked on Wednesday night after just eight months in charge. The Mail says Newcastle is lining up a deal worth $10 million per year — five times his current salary at Portsmouth — plus access to club owner Mike Ashely’s private jet so he can commute from his home in Dorset. Ashley is currently away on business in Hong Kong, but Newcastle chairman Chris Mort is expected to complete the deal before Wednesday’s FA Cup replay at home to Stoke City.
Thus far, Redknapp has totally denied talks with Newcastle. “To say a deal has already been done is absolute rubbish,” he told The News in Portsmouth. “I couldn’t say anything else because that’s the situation … Nobody from Newcastle has contacted me and in any case, that wouldn’t be allowed.”