Mandaric promises new signings

Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has revealed his club are close to clinching three new signings before the transfer window closes.

The Fratton Park chief has also voiced his disappointment over comments attributed to his Southampton counterpart Rupert Lowe about Nigel Quashie’s £2.1million move along the south coast.

Mandaric claims the signings will add proven international experience to the Pompey squad and could make their debut in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round match - at St Mary’s.

“I can promise our supporters that we will announce the name of three proven players before the week is out,” he said.

“There is a real possibility that some may feature on Saturday, but their signings will make us a stronger side going out of January than when we came into the month,” he told the club’s website, www.pompeyfc.co.uk.

Russian striker Dmitri Bulykin is thought to be one of Mandaric’s expected signings, brought in to take the place of Pompey striker Ricardo Fuller who is set to join former Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp at Southampton.

Midfielder Amdy Faye is expected to complete his move to Newcastle soon, despite administrative complications over his medical which have prevented the move going through earlier.

Mandaric claims transfer speculation – particularly rumours that Redknapp might raid his old club and take a number players to Southampton – has de-stabilised Pompey.

“There is nothing you can really do because even when you deny the rumours they continue,” said Mandaric.

“Despite all the speculation, only one player has made any significant move either in or out – and to date I don’t see the mass exodus.

“It is far from fair on our supporters who take this all in and fret about it.”

Meanwhile, reports suggest sacked Panathinaikos goalkeeper Costas Halkias – a member of the Greece Euro 2004 winning squad – will join former boss Velimir Zajec, now Pompey’s executive director, at Fratton Park on a 30-month deal.