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Tuesday, 9th February 2010

Pompey on brink of landing Premier League hitman

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Published Date:
29 July 2009
Pompey were today on the brink of landing striker Amr Zaki as their hunt for new signings flew into gear.
The News understands the Blues have agreed a one-year loan deal for the controversial Egypt international.

Zaki looks set to have his arrival rubber stamped by the end of this week to boost Paul Hart's striking options following the departure of Peter Crouch to Spurs for £9m.

The El Zamalek striker met his club's board on Monday to discuss the Pompey offer.

That was given the green light, paving the way for man who hit 11 goals while with Wigan last season to move to Fratton Park.

Pompey's stuttering search for much-needed reinforcements finally accelerated yesterday on a hectic afternoon of activity which saw:

Right-back Steve Finnan pen a one-year deal on a free transfer.

Blues boss Paul Hart make a move for Cardiff striker Ross McCormack.

Croatia international forward Nikola Kalinic arrive in England in the hope of sealing a deal with Pompey.

Reports today also suggest Stephen Hunt is poised to join in a £3.5m deal from Reading, while keeper Antti Niemi could arrive as back-up to David James.

Spanish side Malaga have also shown a strong interest in 26-year-old Zaki, but it looks as if Pompey have won the chase for his signature.

The powerhouse proved a big hit while on loan at Wigan last season but fell out of favour with then-Latics boss Steve Bruce after twice returning back to training late after international duty.

Zaki could be joined at Pompey by Kalinic, who last night landed in London ahead of a medical.

The 21-year-old flew into England via Vienna as his potential move to the Premier League moved on.

There is still a distance to go before a £5.5m deal is completed, though.

Pompey have yet to agree a fee with Hajduk Split for the striker, and the terms of payment could yet kill the move.

Hajduk are understood to want the bulk of the fee up front, while the Blues want the money spread over a long period.

Kalinic missed his scheduled flight into England as they awaited confirmation of Pompey's offer. They later received paperwork but were not happy with the terms of the deal, according to sources.

McCormack could emerge as a serious alternative, with chief executive Peter Storrie yesterday contacting Cardiff over the Scotland international.

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Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 29 July 2009 3:07 PM
  • Source: The News
  • Location: Portsmouth
 
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1

Robsquad,

29/07/2009 08:46:34
a bit fiery but worth a punt
2

AaronF,

Fareham 29/07/2009 08:46:43
It looks like we are slowly getting some positive things now like i said and these sort of players would be really good for Pompey plus if we get 3 new strikers in we wont miss Crouch
3

Pompey#21,

Portsmouth 29/07/2009 08:50:12
The Niemi news is good news... at least the goaltending department will be one of the best in the world, even if he did take a year out to mend his wrist but he's still a very worthy backup.

Hope we can get the same level of talent up front as well.
4

jimjimjaroo,

work 29/07/2009 08:50:28
Finally something is happening......they took long enough, all we need now is some confirmation from the club, of what direction we're heading in!
PUP
5

Uncle Samuel,

29/07/2009 08:52:37
Robsquad - do you actually watch the game? Zaki was a sensation last year until he and Bruce had a very public spat. Worth a punt, is that you at the bookies??
6

jimjimjaroo,

29/07/2009 08:58:19
the news about stephen hunt for 3.5 mil is good as well, hopefully we can sign up that french full back as well.
7

HarryStotle,

Blackheathstone 29/07/2009 09:00:10
Scum mer goalkeeper??!!! Remember 4-1, Anniti? Seriously, Niemi was an excellent keeper, just one problem; he retired permanently crocked last season.
Are we sending him to Lourdes?
8

chunky monkey,

fareham 29/07/2009 09:01:23
well done pompey. if amir zaki is completed what a signing. big, strong, powerful, MOBILE,(peter crouch lacked)holds the ball up well.perfect for us really. good for 451 formation or as the big fella in 442.with nuge,uslacker, Kalinic, or McCormack with him. sweet. stephen hunt would be a good signing bit fiery but that is what we like at fratton. steve finnan is a quality player (at 33 a year contract is ideal)this is the sort of signings pre sacha we would be proud and excited about. anti niemi is not needed. ashdown, begovic and james more than adequate.right midfielder next and a pass master for center midfield. is basinas enough i would think we need one more.
9

turkeylurkey,

istanbulbag 29/07/2009 09:05:12
zaki, hunt and finnan all sound good to me.
10

Blues Fan,

29/07/2009 09:05:13
Just dont let him go anywhere on his own as he has a job finding his way back as Steve Bruce found out.
Put the F.P. postcode in his sat nav. LoL
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