Redknapp leaves Portsmouth training early, signs of flight

An official approach has been rumored for 60 year old Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp by Newcastle United, as earlier he drove away from the club’s Eastleigh training base with Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie, fueling speculation of a flight.

The mysterious departure took place around noon and he also cancelled a news conference scheduled for today.

While Redknapp was quoted with the explanation that he was meeting with Storrie regarding a few new players he wanted before the weekend, it is more likely that the meeting was regarding Newcastle. While Redknapp said there had been no contact, the comments came before the noontime exit. Things can change quickly and Redknapp has not ruled himself out.

Curious though:

"Money would not be an issue to me, I wouldn't go anywhere just for the money."

Well, why would he leave Portsmouth, playing better, better players, settled, and a team getting better? A big transfer kitty won’t hurt, but how much more can a club possibly spend before they are actually better?

Redknapp just signed a new contract in October to remain at Portsmouth until 2011. But Newcastle owner Mike Ashley would have to make a huge payout to release Redknapp from his Fratton Park contract.