Pompey consider Belardi deal

Italian goalkeeper Emanuele Belardi is in line to join Portsmouth if they can offload Greek misfit Kostas Chalkias.

The 27-year-old Reggina stopper is on trial at Fratton Park and could join on a year-long loan.

Should he sign, that might end Portsmouth’s pursuit of Norwich’s England goalkeeper Robert Green.

Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric insists a move for Green is still being considered, but manager Alain Perrin admits: “I like him but I think he will be too expensive for us.”

Perrin has faith in former Reading goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown as his number one, but the French boss is set on getting rid of Chalkias.

The Greek goalkeeper was dropped after conceding 13 goals in six matches following his move from Panathinaikos last January.

Perrin said: “We are looking to find a club for Kostas Chalkias.

“If we find one we will take a new goalkeeper and we will be making a decision about Belardi in the next few days.”

Belardi wastraining with Portsmouth over the weekend and may play in a pre-season friendly at Conference South neighbours Havant and Waterlooville tomorrow night.

Mandaric said: “We’re happy with Jamie Ashdown in goal, but we do need to put extra security in that department for this season.

“That’s why I’m not ruling out Robert Green.”

Pompey have heard no more from Norwich and may have reached deadlock over a £1.75m (€2.55m) bid for Canaries midfielder Damien Francis, who was seen as a useful replacement in midfield after the release of Steve Stone and Patrik Berger.

And with veteran Shaka Hislop also not offered a new contract at the end of last season, another Italian – 21-year-old Andrea Guatelli – is the south coast club’s only other option as last line of defence.

New signings Laurent Robert and John Viafara are set to play at least part of the game at Havant.

But it is considered to have come “too early” for new defender Andy O’Brien and midfielder Aliou Cisse who were only due to arrive back for training today.