Portsmouth look to replace Distin with Manchester City defender

Tal Ben Haim will join the Portsmouth rebuilding scheme on Monday.

The 27 year-old Israel international will leave Manchester City on a free transfer as Pompey's replacement for Sylvain Distin.

The Israeli international moved to City in the summer of 2008 for £4million from Chelsea but now finds his chances limited after the arrival of Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure.

Pompey could not rush the deal through in time for today's Premier League game at Fratton Park as they are due to face City, but he will have a big role in manager Paul Hart's bid to keep the club in the top flight.