STEVE Cotterill is "highly unlikely" to quit Burnley for Portsmouth this summer.

A story in a national newspaper claimed Pompey boss Harry Redknapp was lining up Cotterill for a role as his number two at Fratton Park.

But the Telegraph understands that no approach has been made for the Burnley manager, and chairman Barry Kilby would block any such move if it was forthcoming.

Speculation regarding the Pompey number two job has surfaced because it looks like present incumbent Kevin Bond could be heading for Newcastle, where Glenn Roeder wants him as head coach.

As a result, Cotterill has been touted as a possible replacement for Bond, mainly because of his friendship with Redknapp, and his ties to the south coast.

We can reveal that the Burnley boss did meet up with Redknapp recently, but it was purely a social visit as the pair are long-time friends and live in the Bournemouth area.

That meeting appears to have fuelled these latest stories, but as we understand it, there is little substance to them.

A Portsmouth source told us: "Harry and Steve have been friends for a long time, and they did meet up recently, but it seems highly unlikely that Cotterill will be coming to Fratton Park.

"He is a well respected manager in his own right, and I can't see him being attracted by an assistant's job."

Cotterill recently signed a four-year deal at Turf Moor, and Redknapp agreed a three-year deal in the past week.

Neither Cotterill or Barry Kilby - both on holiday - could not be contacted.