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Transfer news and speculation, 19 August

Tuesday 19 August 2008 00:00 BST
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(GETTY IMAGES)

Portsmouth Manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed he wants to sign left-back Nadir Belhadj on loan from French club Lens.

Redknapp has limited funds and is looking for short-term deals including one for the 26-year-old Algeria international. "I'd like to get the Algerian, but don't know if I can," said Redknapp. "It would only be a loan. We have a problem on the right, too. We need someone with pace."

Portsmouth were exposed by Chelsea on Sunday, with Sylvain Distin furious with the defending at Stamford Bridge. "We didn't follow players, we didn't talk and we didn't communicate," said the Frenchman.

Distin criticised referee Mike Dean for awarding a penalty when he was struck by the ball, and he also questioned the new directives this season to encourage respect for officials. "We talk about respect but when it is completely unfair it is hard," Distin said. "The worst thing is when you say politely what you think and try to understand the decision you get a yellow card. I had a yellow card at the Community Shield the same way. I say I respect people the way they respect me.

"We are supposed to respect the rules and the referee, but it goes both ways. They have to respect the players too."

No Old Firm move for McFadden

Birmingham Striker James McFadden has ruled out a move to either Old Firm club due to the negativity that surrounds the Glasgow sides. The former Motherwell player has been linked to both Celtic and Rangers, the speculation increasing since the midlands club were relegated to the Championship.

Last week the 25-year-old was rumoured to be about to sign for Rangers but he said: "It's hard to tell [if he will be at Birmingham when the transfer window closes] but at the minute I'm there unless I'm told otherwise. I wouldn't entertain a move to Glasgow. I'm happy to be playing outside Scotland at the minute, especially with the kind of press that's been going about for Rangers and Celtic."

Gravesen confirms Parkhead departure

Celtic Thomas Gravesen's unsuccessful spell at Parkhead has finally ended. The Scottish champions have confirmed they have parted company with the Danish midfielder. Gravesen signed from Real Madrid in August 2006 but was unable to establish himself in Celtic's first team. He returned to former club Everton on loan last season but failed to win a permanent move to Goodison. Gravesen was not involved in the opening games against St Mirren and Dundee United.

What the fans are saying

Sell sulking Berba on and get in another striker. His dream of playing for Man U is new, bet he never had that dream when he was playing for Leverkusen, before we bought him. Just let him go please – he obviously don't want to wear a Spurs shirt any more.

Eddie05, on www.spurs11.com

Scolari's 4-3-2-1 – thumbs up from me! I know it's only the first game but we dominated from start to finish. We can pretty much go all-out attack at teams. With such a strong midfield we overpowered Portsmouth and should have been more than 4-0.

Muncey, from www.cfcnet.co.uk

We are the only team never to be beaten in the Premiership can anyone better this?

TROJ from www.hullcity-mad.co.uk

YESTERDAY'S COMPLETED MOVES

Scott McManus (unattached) to Crewe Alexandria - signed

Lee Sawyer (Chelsea) to Southend United - loan

Andy Webster (Rangers) to Bristol City - loan

Dean Sinclair (Charlton Athletic) to Cheltenham Town - loan

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