Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has admitted that he is trailing Ghana defender John Mensah to sign him in the summer.

Mensah, who plays for French side Rennes, was linked with a move to Fratton Park last week.

This was after Redknapp monitored the player during the Black Stars’ friendly game against Mexico in London last week.

With Sol Campbell’s future in doubt and the likelihood of Portsmouth playing in Europe next season, the coach has admitted that Mensah is high on his shopping list to shore up his defence.

Redknapp told The News: ‘I like him. I’ve watched him quite a bit, but I think there are a few other clubs interested in him.

“I’ve been watching quite a lot of players for next season. He’s one of those players to look at. Centre half is a problem. When Noe Pamarot is not fit we haven’t really got anyone to back up Sol and Sylvain. We’re short,” Redknapp adds.

“We started the season with a load of central defenders. We had Dejan, Andy O’Brien and none of them would ever let you down - they would do a good job for you. But they weren’t playing so we let them go.”