Pompey likely lads? Jermain Defoe

Pompey are being 'linked' with strikers all over the shop, so we are taking a look at the ones most 'strongly linked' - or so we are being told most strongly linked - in turn. They are not in a preferential just alphabetical.

Jermain Defoe is a player that needs not real introduction or explanation is he really.

Controversy and talk of an attitude problem and party boy lifestyle seems to follow him around though - the first such occasion when Harry Redknapp was manager at West Ham and he signed him from Charlton in 1999.

Redknapp often loaned talented youngsters out when he was at West Ham and he was no different. He sent him to one of his favoured clubs to loan players, Bournemouth, where he broke the league scoring record of 10 goals in 10 games.

A transfer request handed into West Ham just a day after their relegation is another instance - this did not go down to well! He withdrew this but was later sold to Spurs.

With Spurs looking at Darren Bent the common thought is if they sign him Defoe will leave Spurs - but only he and Spurs know this really.

£7-10million would be needed for the 24-year old who knows where the goal is with an average of around 1 goal in every 3 games - so this is a lot of money for Pompey to pay but something that would need paying.

Two sets of fans - West Ham and Spurs - sometimes have mixed views on him, so my thinking is not both could be wrong? He is said to be 'lazy' and can 'hide when the going gets tough', but we would sign him for goal and goals are what Defoe should get.

The 'Redknapp factor' could play a major role in his destination - if he leaves Spurs - but would Pompey be a big enough fish for him? With none of the top 4 looking like making a move for him if he went then we would have more than a chance.

As it is not even confirmed that he will leave Spurs - and may well not be even if Bent does sign for them - links for the best part of a year leave me hopeful we might yet sign him, so my thinking is a 3 out of 5 rating this could happen.

Next under the microscope will be Luis Fabiano.

PLAY UP POMPEY!

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