Portsmouth takeover to come too late for big money summer signings - Exclusive

Portsmouth supporters are set for a massive wakeup call as the imminent acquisition of the club by billionaire property dealer Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim moves a step closer to completion.

The anticipated arrival of big-name stars will not come to fruition by the time Al Fahim gains control at the start of next month.

Instead Pompey will recruit three or four out-of-contract players who will cost around £4million.

Plans have been disrupted by the takeover and only 15 players reported back for training last Thursday.

Pompey's only business has been to sell Glen Johnson to Liverpool for £18m and pave the way for Peter Crouch's departure to pay off debts to Standard Bank in South Africa.

Although they are applying for a work permit for South African midfielder Aaron Mokoena, who was signed on free transfer from Blackburn, no other deals are on the table.

Captain Sol Campbell, who is out of contract, looks unlikely to return to the club.

Plans to recruit a big name manager also appear to have been shelved and Paul Hart is likely to remain in charge.