Reports in the English Sunday press, including the News Of The World say Pompey boss Redknapp is anxious to land Kewell despite strong rumours of interest from Italian giants Roma.

It isn't the first time Kewell has been linked with Pompey. Shortly after landing in Australia last month to begin Super June duties, he told the Australian media: "Portsmouth? Apparently my agent did it while he was on the plane coming over so I don’t know how he’s done that.

“I have never shied away from going abroad, from playing anywhere. My options are open and we’ll see what happens."

But there is no doubt that Redknapp is keen to recruit fresh faces with one approach for Crouch already rejected by Liverpool.

Redknapp has targeted four new signings for Portsmouth this summer to have a squad capable of competing on all four trophy fronts.

Redknapp is back at work after a short break and is already grafting hard in a bid to bolster his playing pool ahead of a first-ever European campaign.

The Pompey boss admits he is hoping to bring in four new faces to Fratton Park and says he already has in mind the names he wants.

Speaking to the club's official site, Redknapp said: "It's going to be interesting playing in the UEFA Cup, but we need a big squad with the number of games it involves.

"It's difficult to maintain a strong league position and do well in Europe. To do that you need a big squad that you can rotate.

"I think we need four more good players for a squad capable of fighting on both fronts.

"I need a striker: I've only got Jermain Defoe, David Nugent and Kanu. I might even need two strikers, in all honesty, now that Milan Baros has gone back after coming here on loan.

"Milan did all alright for us. He's a good lad and worked hard. But I'm really looking for someone to play with Jermain Defoe."

Pompey's number one target is Peter Crouch and there seems to be a gradual coming together between the club and Liverpool for the lanky England international.

Some fine-tuning of the £9million bid for him should see Crouch arrive at Fratton Park despite reported interest from Tottenham.

"I'd like another centre-half, a position where we desperately need cover," added Redknapp, although Richard Dunne is looking less and less likely and Younes Kaboul is now being courted by Juventus and Middlesbrough.

"I'd like another wide player too, because we're still short in that area even though we've signed Glen Little.

"And I may need someone who can play centre-half or midfield. I know the players I like, but getting them is another thing. It's a waiting game."