REDKNAPP READY TO DEAL

Redknapp - hopes to have stronger squad.

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp could be set to bring in two new faces as the club prepare to make their UEFA Cup debut.

The FA Cup winners have been paired with Vitoria Guimaraes of Portugal in the first round of the competition with the first leg at Fratton Park on September 18.

Redknapp knows there will be a lot of demands on his players this season and is looking to freshen things up before the window closes on Monday.

Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie said: "We are looking to move a couple out and to bring a couple more in as we have to try to balance the books. I imagine it will a bit hectic in the coming days.

"Harry believes this will be the hardest Premier League for many years. All clubs are capable of beating one and other.

"It is going to be a tough season so it is important to get the balance of the squad right. Despite the credit crunch the transfer market is very busy."

Storrie spoke of his pride at representing Portsmouth at the draw in Monaco.

He said: "I am sure lots of our fans were watching the draw at home and are probably still pinching themselves we are in the UEFA Cup. It is great history for the club.

"This is a tough competition as there are sides in it who should be in the Champions League.

"Harry takes all competitions seriously and he will send a strong side, I am sure of that.

"We will have an absolutely packed stadium for the first leg when we make our European debut. If we can get into the group stages that would be fantastic."

Tottenham, who started the season with two defeats, will take on ambitious Polish side Wisla Krakow.

Sporting director Damien Comolli said: "I think it is going to be difficult because they are top of their league.

"They beat Barcelona the other night, so we will have to do very well at home to start with.

"But I am not too concerned about the tie as we have a lot of quality players in our squad."

Manchester City will face Omonia of Cyprus after edging out Midtjylland on penalties last night.

Club secretary Bernard Halford said: "It is a good draw and hopefully we can do the job in the first leg.

"We are just glad to be playing in Europe again. Is is fantastic for the club and fantastic for the fans.

"I would think the manager (Mark Hughes) is pleased with the tie. We played a very good side in Denmark and did well to come through that tie. We want a winning culture, so all competitions are important."

Everton have been drawn against Standard Liege, who ran Liverpool close in the final round of Champions League qualifying, while Aston Villa face a tricky trip to Bulgaria and a meeting with Litex Lovech.

Meanwhile Mark McGhee's Motherwell will play Nancy as their reward for a third-placed finish in Scotland last season, while St Patrick's Athletic have the daunting challenge of trying to dispose of Hertha Berlin.