Following speculation that Portsmouth could be forced into fire sale of their high-profile players due to an apparent financial crisis, there comes a striking disclosure from Pompey boss Harry Redknapp that he "turned down a £15million bid" for midfielder Lassana Diarra just before the summer transfer window closed.

The 23-year-old French international has been impressive ever since he moved to Portsmouth in search of first-team football from Arsenal in January.

Diarra has attracted attention from several clubs, and Redknapp had recently admitted that he might eventually lose him to a big club, but for now the Pompey boss has disclosed that he turned down a big-money bid because he is worth more already, and it is speculated that Tottenham wanted to sign the former Chelsea and Le Havre player late into the summer and may make a renewed bid in near future.

"At the moment I don't want to sell anybody. I turned down a £15million bid for Diarra on transfer deadline day. I'm not saying who from - he might want to go there," said Redknapp. "But he is worth more than that.”