Westerveld to join Pompey

Sander Westerveld is set for a Premiership return with Portsmouth after four years in Spain.

The former Liverpool goalkeeper is set for a medical today ahead of his move from Real Mallorca.

Westerveld lost his place at Anfield following the arrivals of Jerzy Dudek and Chris Kirkland in August 2001, prompting the Dutchman to join Real Sociedad.

He had helped Liverpool to a cup treble in the previous season but was allowed to leave by Gerard Houllier.

Portsmouth released Shaka Hislop this summer and have decided that Greek stopper Kostas Chalkias is not up to Premiership standards.

That has left boss Alain Perrin with the inexperienced Jamie Ashdown as his undisputed first choice, barring any new arrivals.

“At the start of our transfer campaign I told you we would be improving every position – including goalkeeper,” Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric told BBC Radio Solent ahead of a scheduled medical for Westerveld today.

“Westerveld is an experienced goalkeeper and he spent a couple of years at Liverpool and in Spain.

“Alain Perrin (manager) is looking to give young Jamie Ashdown a bit of competition.”

Westerveld, 30, spent last season at Mallorca, after three years with Sociedad.

But first-team opportunities were limited and he was left out of the club’s squad for their pre-season training camp in Austria.