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Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie said that Newcastle should keep their distance and revealed irritation at the timing of the approach.

"Harry has made his decision and that is the end of the matter," he told the BBC. "It would become a bit of a farce if that changed.

"It is not about money, so they can offer what they like. It has happened and it has moved on and we would refuse any request.

"This is a disruptive time. It is the middle of transfer window and even if they did ask to speak to Harry, we would refuse."

Toon owner Mike Ashley seems determined to pull out al the stops for former West Ham and Bournemouth boss Redknapp. He will return from Hong Kong, where he has been on business, shortly.

Another option for Newcastle rumoured to be Ashley's second choice is a joint management team consisting of club icons Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan.

Keegan led United into the top division in the nineties and almost won the Premier League title in 1995-96. Shearer is taking his coaching badges and many fans would like to see him step into the breach left by Sam Allardyce.

Former chairman Sir John Hall, who took Keegan to Newcastle and is an honorary life president, believes that such a move would end in tears.

"Alan is the most dedicated professional I have ever met and a great man," he said. "But he would want to come in at the right time, and now is probably too early.

"Kevin has had his time and I don't think he and his family would want to return."

Hall said that former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier, who won five trophies at Anfield and is employed by the French Football Federation after winning Ligue 1 last season with Lyon, would be right for the role.

"Gerard did a fine job at Lyon and I feel he could do it at Newcastle," he opined. "But I don't think he would leave his new role."

Ex-Spurs manager Martin Jol and Blackburn boss Mark Hughes are the others in the frame for the job.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport