Pompey set to lose Merson

HARRY REDKNAPP has continued his reshaping of Portsmouth’s squad for life in the Barclaycard Premiership

Wapenaar was a free agent after his contract expired at Dutch club Utrecht and he has signed a three-year contract at Fratton Park.

The 33-year-old Dutchman said: “It’s a dream to play in the Premiership and this a very nice club.”

Merson looks set to leave the First Division champions as Redknapp pursues his interest in Darren Anderton.

Merson is in talks with two midlands clubs according to Redknapp, who has left the decision to the former England midfielder.

But Redknapp has wasted no time lining up a possible replacement in midfield, with former Pompey hero Anderton emerging as a target, although the Fratton Park manager admits talks with Tottenham have not progressed far.

Redknapp said: “Merson’s speaking to a few clubs and he’s got to decide where he wants to go. It’s Merson’s decision. We’ve not gone into the transfer market and spent big money but we’ve got some quality players. I’ve spoken to people at Tottenham, I’ve declared my interest. There’s an opportunity, a chance it could happen.

“He’s a class player, he has had his injury problems for sure but if we could get him here and get him playing he’d be an asset for us.”