Pompey target Hartson

Portsmouth have made Celtic striker John Hartson their next major transfer target and have opened talks with the Scottish giants.

Club chairman Milan Mandaric revealed striker Hartson is on Harry Redknapp’s shopping list, although the Welshman insisted today he would be happy to spend the rest of his career at Parkhead.

Relegation-threatened Pompey have already made six signings this month, but they are aiming to strengthen even further before the transfer window closes next Tuesday.

Bayer Leverkusen midfield Jacek Krzynowek is a likely loan signing, but a deal for Hartson may also be achieved.

Mandaric told Sky Sports News: “With John, that’s in Celtic’s hands. We are going through the club.

“We respect their decision. We just hope optimistically we can bring John to help us out.

“He’s a very good player. It’s going to be difficult but again I’m optimistic.”

Hartson was famously signed by Redknapp in 1999, during his days as West Ham manager, and together with Paul Kitson helped fire the Hammers out of danger and to Premiership survival.

The 30-year-old was a £6m (€8.7m) buy for Celtic in August 2001 and has scored 105 goals in 192 appearances for the Bhoys.

Krzynowek, 29, has featured intermittently for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga this season and would add to Redknapp’s midfield options.

Portsmouth are confident a deal can be done, with Mandaric saying: “We certainly hope so. We’ve ben trying to sign him for the last several days.

“I just hope we are successful but we are not there yet.”