Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has turned his atttention to Greek captain Angelos Basinas after admitting that he has failed in a bid to bring West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick to Fratton Park.

With Carrick set to open transfer talks with Arsenal, Redknapp has turned to Basinas, who helped Greece to victory over Portugal in the Euro 2004 final.

“Basinas is a good, strong player and a great passer of the ball,” he said.

“He could do a lot of damage.”

Redknapp hopes to sign Basinas in time to face Birmingham City in next weekend’s Premiership opener.

“My squad is not strong enough, it scares me stiff,” Redknapp said.