The Hawks boss has spoken to the diminutive midfielder several times over the summer and is set to step in with a contract offer after Bournemouth failed to come up with a deal.

Igoe, who made 178 appearances for Pompey between 1994 and 2000, left Bristol Rovers at the end of last season and is keen to return to the south coast.

The 32-year-old will line up for the Hawks in their friendly clash with Eastbourne Borough tonight at West Leigh Park (7.45pm) and Gale is hopeful a deal can be secured.

Gale said: 'I've spoken to Sammy and I think he will be coming along to play.

'I know him from Pompey. He's a good player with a good pedigree and is someone we would be very interested in signing.

'It's all very low key at the moment. He will come along and play, see how he likes it and we will take it from there.

'I've spoken to him a few times over the summer and he's been at Bournemouth.

'I'm not sure whether they have offered him anything or whether he wants to play there.

'But I've just offered him a chance to come along and play for us and we'll see what happens.

'He's a very good footballer. He can play wide and we're lacking in those areas a bit at the moment, or he can play in the middle.

'He's experienced and he still gets around the park very well.

'We'll just have a look at things, but I'm hopeful something might happen.'