Millwall moving in for Claridge

Millwall manager Mark McGhee today said he wants to sign striker Steve Claridge from Portsmouth before the transfer deadline on Thursday.

The Second Division leaders are looking to bring in cover for Neil Harris and Paul Moody, who are set to receive three-match suspensions for being sent off in the 2-1 defeat at Bristol City last Friday.

Claridge, 34, wants to leave Portsmouth after he lost his player-manager role when Graham Rix was put in charge last month and would join Millwall on loan with a view to a permanent transfer.

McGhee said: "I worked with Steve when I was manager of Wolves. We have spoken to him about coming to us and he is interested. But he has other options and there are several other players we have talked to."