Valencia boss eyes Muntari

The Pompey star is top of Koeman's January shopping list as the Dutchman looks set to miss out on Liverpool's Mohamed Sissoko.

The Reds midfielder is close to agreeing a move to Juventus and Koeman, who had targeted Sissoko, has begun his search for alternatives.

However, Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp - who has turned down the vacant Newcastle manager's job - is unlikely to be willing to part company with his £7million summer signing.

Koeman, though, is hopeful he can prise the Ghanaian international away from Fratton Park.

"We seem to have missed out on Mohamed Sissoko but Muntari plays a similar role and he would be excellent," Koeman told The Sun