Mandaric concedes defeat in Hartson chase

Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has conceded defeat in his bid to sign striker John Hartson from Celtic.

The Bank of Scotland Premier League leaders rejected an offer for the 30-year-old from Pompey out of hand last week.

The Fratton Park club are believed to have returned with an improved bid for the Wales international today.

But the south coast club have now given up hope of bringing Hartson to Portsmouth before the transfer window closes at midnight tomorrow.

Mandaric told BBC Scotland: “We respect Celtic’s decision.”

He added: “There is nothing further we can do. Hartson will not be coming.

“The situation is simple – Celtic gave us a definite no and we will now have to look elsewhere.”

Hartson has 18 months left on his Celtic Park deal but has previously insisted he does not want to leave.

The former Arsenal and Coventry striker was signed for West Ham by Pompey boss Harry Redknapp in 1997.

Last Friday, Celtic manager Gordon Strachan accused Portsmouth of wasting the Glasgow club’s time in their bid to sign Hartson.

The Hoops were furious when Mandaric went public with his ambition to sign the Welshman, despite being told he was not for sale at any price.