Newcastle were today closing in on their man as they stepped up efforts to lure Harry Redknapp to St James' Park.

Redknapp did not attend Portsmouth's scheduled pre-match press conference, leaving the club's training ground at Eastleigh as the media gathered amid mounting speculation over the Magpies' interest in him.

The Tyneside club were preparing to formalise their interest in the 60-year-old former Saints manager today by making an approach to Pompey for permission to speak to him.

Neither club was either confirming or denying that contact has been made this afternoon.

However, Redknapp's impromptu departure and the fact that Newcastle chairman Chris Mort was away from his desk - club owner Mike Ashley is currently in Hong Kong - added fuel to the fire as the former West Ham boss was backed down to an overwhelming 1/7 favourite with Ladbrokes.

Portsmouth moved quickly last night to make their position clear, insisting Redknapp was happy where he was and committed to the club's future.

But the word from the south coast today was that there is a growing acceptance that his days at Fratton Park could be numbered amid rumours that talks over a compensation package are already under way.

Redknapp was driven away from the Eastleigh training ground by chief executive officer Peter Storrie