On this day: Portsmouth weigh up move for ex-Arsenal and West Ham striker axed by Celtic

At the time, the 31-year-old had declined a £500,000 move to West Brom.

But with Celtic looking to sell, Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric said he was to hold talks with manager Harry Redknapp to discuss a possible move for the former Arsenal and West Ham front man.

Mandaric said: ‘I need to clear it with Harry Redknapp.

‘He still admires John and if he is interested, we will see if we can bring Hartson to Portsmouth.’

Hartson, who netted 88 goals in 146 appearances for the Hoops was stunned Celtic wanted to sell him.

He said: ‘I had no intention or desire to leave the club this summer.

‘This has knocked me for six.’

Hartson never made it to Fratton Park, with Redknapp instead swooping for Kanu (free, West Brom) and Andy Cole (£500,000, Manchester City).

Kanu, of course, scored the winning goal for the Blues in the 2008 FA Cup final against Cardiff.

Cole, however, was loaned out to Birmingham in March 2007, after just three goals in 18 appearances for Pompey and joined Sunderland at the end of the 2006-07 season.

Hartson eventually signed for West Brom on June 26, 2006.