On this day: Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp rules out D'Alessandro return

D'Alessandro had been linked with a move to Fratton Park earlier in the year after a bust-up with Spanish side Real Zaragoza.

The Argentina international had a furious training-ground row with Zaragoza coach Victor Fernandez, sparking talk he is on the way out of the Primera Liga outfit.

Redknapp admitted he remained a massive fan of the mercurial talent, who played a huge part in the Great Escape when on loan from Wolfsburg in the 2005-06 season.

D'Alessandro played 13 times for Pompey as they kept their top-flight status against the odds.

The 26-year-old endeared himself to fans with his work-rate and ability during that run

But Redknapp explained he was unlikely to make another bid to sign the player when the transfer window opened because of the difficulty accommodating the talented player.

Redknapp told The News at the time: '˜I love the little fella but where do you play him?

'˜It's like Geovanni at Manchester City, who I had here in the summer.

'˜I was speaking to Sven-Goran Eriksson about him last week.

'˜He's a good player but his position is behind the front two.

'˜It's not easy to accommodate a player like that in an English system.

'˜It's a lovely position to play. You are there with no defensive duties whatsoever.

'˜It's where everyone wants to play, but it is not always the way to go in the English game.'