Former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini is the new favourite for the Portsmouth job.

The News says fears of a supporter backlash could scupper a sensational bid to bring Harry Redknapp back to Pompey, leaving Mancini the preferred choice.

Redknapp emerged as a contender to succeed Paul Hart at the weekend and there is backing for him from within the Blues camp.

But there are worries about how a Redknapp return would be seen by fans still unhappy at his second defection from the club to Spurs last year.