Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp insists Kanu still has a future at the club.
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp insists Kanu still has a future at the club.
The 30-year-old former Arsenal and West Brom forward is considering fresh terms with Pompey but has so far not returned to the club for pre-season training.
But despite threatening to withdraw his contract offer and recruiting David Nugent and John Utaka, Redknapp wants to keep the Nigerian international.
"He has still got a part to play, he can come on and turn a game," said Redknapp, who is eyeing more signings.
The Pompey boss says he could bring in another forward and a wide player, but also wants to secure Kanu's future at Fratton Park.
Having signed a one-year deal last summer, Kanu is out of contract but has been offered another year with an added season if he features in 20 games.
"He's worried about 20 games. If you don't play 20 games you're not worth another year really. He'll play 20 I'm sure," added Redknapp.
Kanu played 38 games last term, scoring 12 goals, and says he will return to England for a final attempt to resolve the contract stalemate.
"We have to settle this now because the new season is almost here and I want to be fair to myself and to the club," he said.
"I am sure that everything will be settled one way or another this week."
Redknapp previously stated that the offer of a new deal could be withdrawn, but he is keen to maintain numbers in attack so the club can challenge for honours.
"Every club needs four strikers. Look at Tottenham, Jermain Defoe's number four and then there's Mido," he said.
"Everyone is getting stronger. There's Newcastle, West Ham won't want a bad season, Roy Keane doesn't want to lose with Sunderland. It's going to be a tough league but I'm looking forward to it." - BBC
Pompey boss has faith in star
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp insists Kanu still has a future at the club.
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp insists Kanu still has a future at the club.
The 30-year-old former Arsenal and West Brom forward is considering fresh terms with Pompey but has so far not returned to the club for pre-season training.
But despite threatening to withdraw his contract offer and recruiting David Nugent and John Utaka, Redknapp wants to keep the Nigerian international.
"He has still got a part to play, he can come on and turn a game," said Redknapp, who is eyeing more signings.
The Pompey boss says he could bring in another forward and a wide player, but also wants to secure Kanu's future at Fratton Park.
Having signed a one-year deal last summer, Kanu is out of contract but has been offered another year with an added season if he features in 20 games.
"He's worried about 20 games. If you don't play 20 games you're not worth another year really. He'll play 20 I'm sure," added Redknapp.
Kanu played 38 games last term, scoring 12 goals, and says he will return to England for a final attempt to resolve the contract stalemate.
"We have to settle this now because the new season is almost here and I want to be fair to myself and to the club," he said.
"I am sure that everything will be settled one way or another this week."
Redknapp previously stated that the offer of a new deal could be withdrawn, but he is keen to maintain numbers in attack so the club can challenge for honours.
"Every club needs four strikers. Look at Tottenham, Jermain Defoe's number four and then there's Mido," he said.
"Everyone is getting stronger. There's Newcastle, West Ham won't want a bad season, Roy Keane doesn't want to lose with Sunderland. It's going to be a tough league but I'm looking forward to it." - BBC