New life in Hartson deal

Coventry chairman Bryan Richardson is optimistic that John Hartson will complete his move to Highfield Road "within the next few days".

The Sky Blues had hoped to sign the Wimbledon striker in time for him to make his debut in the Premiership encounter with Newcastle.

Richardson confirmed City had agreed a £5million fee with the Dons and thrashed out personal terms with Hartson and his agent Jonathan Barnett to their satisfaction.

But the hold-up is being caused by the unnamed Coventry player who will be heading to Selhurst Park as part of the deal and that will mean matters extending into the weekend.

Richardson said: "John Hartson is delighted with the terms and he is anxious to join Coventry City as soon as possible.

"In the deal with Wimbledon there is a Coventry City player in part exchange. The player concerned is currently in negotiations with Wimbledon but, as yet, he or his advisers have not reached an agreement.

"But the deal is very much alive, and we hope to complete it within the next few days.

"We need someone like John to put the ball into the net for us because we are making a high number of chances and not converting many of them."

Richardson is relishing the prospect of Hartson, who has scored 10 goals in 22 games this season, linking up with fellow Welsh international and £6.5million signing Craig Bellamy if and when the transfer is finalised.

He said: "We are looking for them to form a good partnership, and John will be ideal for Craig to play alongside with his strength and power.

"I also think that next season we will see the best of Craig once he has settled into the Premiership.

"This is his first season at that level, and when he gets a bit stronger he will be up there with the best. To have him and John Hartson together is an exciting prospect."

Dons manager Terry Burton said: "I spoke to Gordon Strachan last week, and Coventry offered two players in return for John Hartson - so they obviously want him.

"I have spoken to my board at Wimbledon and told them of a Coventry player that I would like to bring to Wimbledon.

"The ball is now in Coventry's court in terms of whether the player wants to come to us."

Burton's possible targets are understood to be defender Richard Shaw and strikers John Aloisi and Cedric Roussel - although neither club will confirm the player the Dons want in part exchange.