PORTSMOUTH boss Harry Redknapp may have to shelve plans to sign Rovers defender John Curtis.

As I understand it, Redknapp wants the former Manchester United star to bolster his side's promotion push.

However, Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric today hinted he may have to block the move after warning his manager that his spending must stop.

Redknapp has already spent a small fortune in building a squad capable of gaining promotion to the Premiership and I'm reliably informed that a third party working on his behalf has also been in touch with Rovers about a fresh bid for Curtis.

But Redknapp is also believed to be chasing former Rovers star Tim Sherwood.

And Mandaric has put his foot down by telling his manager that he faces a choice between the two.

"I've given the green light for transfers for a long while, but if we cannot win promotion with the players that are now here, then we don't deserve to go up," said Mandaric.

"Obviously, after getting ourselves into such a good position we do not want to let it go.

"But the fact remains we have to start winning again and rely on the people already here to do that for us."

Curtis would be interested in a move to Pompey or Ipswich -- who are also said to be interested -- even though it would mean stepping down a division.

The 24-year-old defender was ever-present in Rovers' promotion season but has since failed to hold a regular first team place.

He would, therefore, jump at the chance of a move away if it meant furthering his career.

"I'm desperate for first team football -- that's what I want -- and if I'm not going to get it at Blackburn then I'll have to move on," said Curtis.

"I wasn't getting it at United, which is why I moved on in the first place, and I'm still striving to play first team football.

"I want to play as much as I can because I'm desperate to play first team football but that hasn't really happened for me recently.

"Lucas Neill has come in and played well and there's only one place up for grabs at right-back so the manager makes his decisions and he's currently picking Lucas ahead of me.

"There's not much I can do about it other than just try and be patient."