Niall Quinn has apologised for causing offence to Portsmouth and West Ham United for his comments regarding the summer's transfer dealings.

The Sunderland chairman picked out Pompey and The Hammers as two clubs who have forced transfer prices up in recent weeks.

The former Republic of Ireland international has now apologised to Redknapp and believes his original comments have been misinterpreted.

"I want to say fair play to West Ham and Portsmouth," Quinn told Sky Sports News. "They're having a go and it's very tough. We're having the same kind of a go and we're trying very hard.

"It was in response to a question about why is it so dear. We're all trying to get into that top four - that's what everybody's dream is. Fair play to Portsmouth, fair play to West Ham.

"The real people who are loving this are the agents and that's the point I was trying to make.

"If I offended people in Portsmouth and West Ham I apologise, that was not my intention at all.

"But it had to be pointed out that, while it's going on, this real quest and hunger to drive clubs up, with the prices going as high as they are, it's the agent and player, ultimately, who is benefiting.

"That's the point I was trying to make. I apologise to Harry, who I think got a bit upset. I will meet him some time and buy him a drink!"