And they all according to Fratton legend came within varying degrees of wearing royal blue – here’s the Pompey heroes that never were...
1. Didier Drogba
Redknapp was impressed with a young Guingamp midfielder who’d converted to a striker. A £2m deal never came off and a certain Didier Drogba joined Marseille, before moving to Chelsea. | Getty Images Photo: Clive Mason
2. Paul Gascoigne
Paul Gascoigne was linked with a move to Fratton Park in the early 2000s and even told the club 'lets talk', but the move never happened. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
3. David Beckham
After joining LA Galaxy, David Beckham was available for loan in the MLS off-season. Redknapp expressed his interest, but the midfielder joined AC Milan. | Getty Images Photo: Ross Kinnaird
4. Pep Guardiola
Career was winding down and wanted to take on coaching duties Pompey weren't prepared to accommodate. D'oh. | PA (Press Association) Photo: Barrington Coombs