FA Cup-winning manager Harry Redknapp has admitted he is looking to sign Reading’s England international left-back.
Nicky Shorey, who won his first England cap against Brazil last year, is high on Pompey’s shopping list and, following Reading’s relegation to the Championship, could be close to a cut-price move to Fratton Park.
The move would be good for both sides. Pompey look to expand a squad that’s left with 3 players and a ball-boy whenever African international matches are played. Whereas, Shorey can get back in a successful team and perhaps push into Fabio Capello’s England squads. Redknapp told the Reading Evening Post:
Shorey is a player I like. He’s a good player and a good footballer. We’re looking for players who would give us something a bit different and he would do that.
Shorey was linked to Newcastle and West Ham last season, with Reading turning down a bid from the latter, but following the Royals relegation, the 27-year-old’s wages are likely to lead to his reluctant departure.
Pompey prepare for their first ever season in Europe and Harry Redknapp knows he needs a larger squad capable of challenging for honours:
He would give us something different to Hermann (Hreidarsson). Having said that, Hermann did a fantastic job for us and was brilliant for me. But we are going to need a squad and we are going to need cover.
We are going to be playing more games than ever next season and it’s going to be a lot tougher for us.