Redknapp targets Rovers duo

The runaway First Division leaders are currently in the midst of a defensive crisis and Redknapp wanted the pair to help boost his side's promotion push.

But Rovers chief Graeme Souness has had to knock back the enquiry because he's facing some injury problems of his own.

However, the club may look at the situation again in January when the Premiership transfer window opens because Souness may have to trade before he can buy.

"There has been an enquiry from Portsmouth via a third party and we don't normally try to stand in a player's way," said chief executive John Williams.

"But the fact is both players are currently in the team and we are not in a position to let anyone go at the minute because we have some injury problems of our own."

Redknapp had targeted the Rovers duo after Hayden Foxe became the latest player to join the Fratton Park casualty list with a hamstring injury.

Fellow defenders Linvoy Primus and Gianluca Festa are already definite non-starters for their game against Walsall this weekend.

And Arjan De Zeeuw is also unavailable due to suspension.

Nigerian international Taribo West is currently training with the south coast club but he is said to be short of match fitness.

So Redknapp wants to bring a couple of players in on loan and Todd and Curtis had been his top targets.

"I want to get someone in on loan but I'm struggling," said the former West Ham chief.

"I want a player from the Premiership but no club wants to let anyone go.

"I've made a million phone calls but there's not a lot around at the moment.

"The problem is Premiership clubs can't sign anyone until January when the transfer window opens so that means they don't want to get rid of any of the covering players I would be interested in.

"I like Andy Todd and John Curtis at Blackburn but Graeme Souness has got injury problems of his own and they both played against Charlton on Sunday so he won't let either of them go which means I'll have to look elsewhere."