Mendes: "I know that Newcastle were interested in me at various times. When I played in Portugal (with Porto) and, more strongly, after I left Tottenham (in January).
"In the end, no agreement was reached, but I am happy at Portsmouth anyway. Things are going brilliantly".
Shay Given is disappointed Newcastle United did not sign Sol Campbell during the summer.
Given: "Sol is an international defender and he would have been a good addition. I don't know if it was a football decision he made in joining Pompey or because he wanted to stay down south for personal reasons.
"But it shows Harry Redknapp is doing a great job again with the signings he made in the summer. Players people may have thought were past it are proving people wrong.
"Kanu is scoring goals for fun. Sol is brilliant at the back and David James is having a good season as well. Harry deserves credit for getting the best out of these players."