Pompey poised to seal Smith switch

Portsmouth manager Paul Hart is expected to make Watford forward Tommy Smith his first signing after Sulaiman Al Fahim announced his takeover of the club was completed.

It had seemed a consortium led by Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie was set to broker a deal for the troubled south-coast club following the apparent breakdown of the Middle East businessman’s bid.

However, Al Fahim – appointed chairman at Fratton Park after passing the Premier League’s fit and proper person test – claims he has now formally taken full control, meaning Hart will be able to strengthen his squad ahead of the September 1 deadline.

Although there will not be limitless funds, Pompey are expected to move quickly.

Smith, 29, had been in line to join Reading, but is now set to head to Fratton Park in a £2m deal, while Lens’ £4m-rated Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane is another likely target.

Pompey, though, could face a battle to keep hold of captain Sylvain Distin, who has told Hart he wants to leave Fratton Park – with Aston Villa and Everton potential destinations.