Irresist-Abel

Last updated : 06 October 2004 By Keith Allman
Yummy
Portsmouth are on the verge of signing former Portuguese international Abel Xavier, if reports are to be believed. The flamboyant defender can join outside of the transfer window, as he is currently without a club.

Aside from his ridiculous hair, he is well known for a handball in the dying seconds of a Euro 2000 semi-final against France. At club level he has had a somewhat nomadic career, plying his trade in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Holland, Turkey, Germany and England - including spells at both Liverpool and Everton.

He's got talent, but he's a bit of a liability from time to time. As well as that, his attitude is a tiny bit suspect - still, if we were to sign him, that's the sort of player that Harry normally does well controlling. We wait and see what becomes of the rumour; with the continued absence of De Zeeuw and Stefanovic showing just how lightweight our defence is, cover would not go amiss.