Portsmouth poised to land Algeria star Hadj Iss

Portsmouth are ready to sign Algerian midfield star Hadj Issa - known as his country's Roberto Baggio - in a shock deal this week.

The 25-year-old talented attacker was due to join wealthy Saudi club Al-Ittifaq before the deal collapsed, with his club Wifaq Setif revealing Pompey had come in.

Issa is due to fly in for talks and a medical in the next 48 hours, with a fee of around £400,000 to be paid for the gifted ace.

For all of Pompey's troubles they think they can find the cash for the Algerian star because he is so cheap - and he could be a surprise hit in the Premier League.