However it seems that Pompey have got their man after talks all through the weekend and Merson is expected to be announced in the next day or two. Fratton Faithful understands that he has now sorted out his affairs with Aston Villa and will take a medical for Pompey today or tomorrow.
This doesn't seem to be the last signing for Harry Redknapp though before the season starts in earnest as Francis Jeffers is believed to have signed for the club on a years loan from Arsenal. Jeffers has had severely limited first team action with the current Premiership champions and is keen to get back into first team football.
It is no secret that Redknapp is looking for another striker due to the rawness of Pericard and the fact that Burchill and Allen are both returning from long term injuries.
With these two players, there now seems no doubt that The Blues have the credentials to be a serious force in Division one with season - roll on Saturday.