Campbell set to seal Pompey deal

Portsmouth are closing in on a deal with England defender Sol Campbell.

Campbell underwent a medical at Fratton Park on Monday prior to signing what BBC Sport understands is a one-year contract with a further year's option.

The 31-year-old was released by Arsenal following his desire to seek a new challenge after five years at the club.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp is looking to partner Campbell with either Manchester City's Sylvain Distin or Blackburn's Ryan Nelsen.

Redknapp is keen on Distin, who is in the last year of his contract at Manchester City and would cost around £4m.

Pompey have also tendered a bid for New Zealand international Nelsen, although it has been rebuffed by Blackburn boss Mark Hughes.

With no transfer fee involved for the England defender, Portsmouth will be easier able to meet Campbell's salary, believed to be in the region of £60,000 a week.

Campbell follows loan signing Glen Johnson from Chelsea as the second big summer signing for Redknapp who had been struggling to put new owner Sasha Gaydamak's wallet to work.

Redknapp is keen to make Campbell and Distin, who is in the last year of his contract at Manchester City, his new defensive pairing.

The Pompey boss has also made an approach to Manchester City for England keeper David James.

Campbell announced at the end of last season that he was leaving the Gunners to seek "a new challenge" after five years with the London club.

He made 197 appearances for the Gunners and won five major trophies after joining the club from arch rivals Tottenham in 2001.

But Redknapp may be forced to renew his search for a striker with news that Lomano LuaLua could be out for up to a month with an ankle injury.

The 25-year-old injured his ankle in a pre-season friendly at Oxford and although Pompey are awaiting to discover the full extent, the swelling on his ankle was cause for concern.

Redknapp is left with just Svetoslav Todorov and £4.1m record signing Benjani Mwaruwari as his senior striking options.

The Pompey boss has made little progress in his bids for Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe and Fenebache's former Arsenal forward Nicolas Anelka.

From : BBC