BATTLE OF THE HEAVYWEIGHTS

With Robert Prosinecki's gap to fill in midfield, Pompey have looked at England's greatest in order to supply the sublime skill for next season. There is no doubt that Gazza and Merson possess the talent to fill Prosinecki's gap but there are question marks over their fitness - even compared to 20 a day Prossie.

In Fratton Faithful's opinion, Paul Merson would represent the best bet for Pompey - he still seems to be able to cut it in the Premiership - something that cannot be said for Gazza still - when Gascoigne is on form he was one of this generations greatest players, but doubts exist over his ability to perform week in week out. Merson on the other hand, has once again played fairly regulary for Aston Villa this year.

who ate all the pies

Merson would represent the greater financial commitment for the club. It is likely they will have to spend over £1million buying out his contract and then pay him wages of £20,000 a week - £5,000 more than what Gascoigne would be asking. Redknapp has confirmed that the club are looking at Merson: "Paul Merson is a world-class player. We need someone to fill Robbie Prosinecki's boots and he could be the ideal person. But we will have to see what unfolds in the next few weeks" However as per normal, the official site are denying the story, with Peter Storrie stating: "This is pure speculation and the club and its supporters will have to get used to names being plucked out of the air and bandied around. Our supporters will be the first to hear of any signings through the club's official website." This is of course not the first time, Pompey have denied a story that has quotes from the actual manager.

Today Gazza's agent, made a come and get me plea on behalf of his player: "Paul has offers abroad, but is also interested in joining a decent English club and I would put Portsmouth in that bracket. Portsmouth are an ambitious side with an ambitious chairman and manager. Harry Redknapp likes his sides to pass the ball and that suits Gazza. So if Harry Redknapp would like to give us a ring, that would be excellent."

The plot thickens, but it seems clear that the Merson deal is far more advanced and probably the better signing for the club.