Redknapp ready to let Nugent go

Ruthless Harry Redknapp has told £6million striker David Nugent he can go - so the Portsmouth manager can improve his team by buying a new star.

Redknapp appears to still have his eye on Tottenham's Jermain Defoe now Ayegbeni Yakubu has completed his move from Middlesbrough to Everton, while Bolton's Nicolas Anelka is being linked with a move back to Manchester City,

Nugent joined Pompey just a month ago but his first goal for the club in Tuesday's 3-0 Carling Cup win over against Leeds could also be his last for the club, as Redknapp admitted: "It is down to what David wants to do. I brought him in here and I like him but it is no secret Derby want to buy him. They have been in for him and if David wants to go he can go."

Redknapp needs to sell before he can buy again after splashing out £23million on seven summer signings, but it is believed Nugent, 22, wants to stay after signing from Preston on a three-year contract.

Derby, where Nugent's old Preston boss Billy Davies is in charge, want to close a deal to take him to Pride Park just 49 days after Pompey shelled out a reported £6million for him.

Nugent, though, was given major backing by Pompey fans as he added to two strikes by defender Noe Pamarot to seal Pompey's Carling Cup place in the third round.

He said: "To hear them chanting my name was really special. They have backed me all the way and now I hope the goals will start flying in for me.

"I wanted to show them I can score goals and hopefully there will more now. That one has really lifted my confidence.