Portsmouth charged over return of Redknapp

Portsmouth may face punishment from the Premier League after being charged for breaching rules in their approach to bring the manager Harry Redknapp back to Fratton Park last month.

While at Southampton, Redknapp was initially refused permission to speak to their South Coast rivals about filling their managerial vacancy. He then left St Mary's after feeling that his position was untenable.

The Portsmouth chairman, Milan Mandaric, eventually appointed Redknapp, a year after the manager had left the club in the other direction to Southampton.

The Premier League has received a complaint from Southampton and will now decide if Pompey's approach to Redknapp was within the boundaries of their rules.

Redknapp insisted claims of an illegal approach were "not true", before the charge was made. "The whole thing is a lot of old tosh," he said. "Let them investigate if they want. Let them charge us if they want - I don't care."

Officials could also look at Mandaric's appearance on television, revealing Redknapp was a target.