PORTSMOUTH have given up on their attempts to sign French star defender Marcel Desailly.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp confirmed to the press yesterday that his attempt to bring the World Cup winner to Fratton Park was now 'dead'.

Redknapp said: "I spoke to him, but he had a big offer to go into TV, so he won't carry on playing".

Redknapp has been quoted as saying an average of seven points from every six games this season would make him happy.

Looking back on the first few games, he reflected: "We've had a reasonable start, but it's very early days. If we average seven points for every six games we play then I'll be quite happy. That works out to about 43 points and on that we will be OK and stay up.

"I have been pleased with our two away performances - we should have come away with a point from each. In one a keeper's mistake has cost us, and in the other a poor penalty decision made the difference. Birmingham have only got six points so far with all the money they have spent".

On the shape of the Premiership this season Harry said: "It will be a tight league like last year. If you string together two wins on the bounce then you can go into the top half of the table.

"We're not a bigger club than the likes of West Brom and Norwich so, like them, for us to stay up again will be a big achievement. People talk about Europe but that is nonsense for us.

"We can only move up the table in the future if we move up into another market - to pay bigger fees and a different level of wages.

"It's money, and the stadium set-up, that dictates success. I expect that, at the end of the season, there may well be only three points or so between the eighth from top and the fifth from bottom. Every game will be very close, but we feel we can compete with anybody."

As for tomorrow's game at Norwich, Redknapp confirmed that he has a full squad to choose from, with Steve Stone likely to be available, and said: "We will go there to try and pick up three points. I always go out to try and win games - it's the only way to play.

"If you play any other way you are likely to lose. It's a winnable game - I always feel that we can win anywhere, but we won't be underestimating Norwich.

"Norwich played well at Spurs when I saw them recently. In Bentley they have a terrific young talent, and Huckerby is always a threat with his pace.

"Robert Green is a top-class goalkeeper as well. They have a decent squad and they are a stable, well-run club, who, with their set-up, academy and a magnificent training ground, are worthy of the Premiership. If they can stay up this time, then they could well establish themselves at the top."

The Portsmouth manager acknowledges the need for away success, saying: "We are going to lose home games so it's important to get points away from home.

"With our pace we can hurt teams away. I don't want to play one striker up - going forward is a strong part of our game and I will be looking to play two up front.

"I've got some options with Kamara and Lua Lua available to partner Yakubu.

"In midfield I'm OK - Berger and Quashie are doing well and Faye is beginning to find his feet. It's in defence that I have fewer options."