Even Harry Redknapp admitted that it might be a leetle bit tricky to keep hold of Lassana Diarra next season. After all, the Portsmouth midfielder made it clear upon arriving at Fratton Park that the move from Arsenal represented an opportunity for him to play first-team football and put himself in the shop window ahead of the 2008/9 season.

However, Sky Sports report that the former Chelsea player has made a statement that indicates he might be staying put on the South Coast after all. Say it ain’t so Lassana!

He told L’Equipe: “Where will I play next season? Why such a question? I am under contract at Portsmouth.

“I feel fine at the club, they have allowed me to play in Europe and win the FA Cup.”

Is this just a smokescreen or is the Frenchman going to enjoy life by the sea next season? It’s been reported that he’s enjoyed sandcastle-making opportunities and an occasional Punch and Judy show in Bournemouth, although can that compete with what the European giants have to offer? Maybe no club has come in for him or just maybe he thinks that Portsmouth are going places next season - they are in Europe after all.