Portsmouth sign Vanden on loan

Portsmouth manager Paul Hart is set to boost his threadbare squad by completing the loan signing of Belgium international Anthony Vanden Borre.

The versatile midfielder will join the south coast club on a one-year loan deal from Italian side Genoa.

Pompey hope to conclude the deal later today and they will have an exclusive option to buy the 21-year-old if he impresses.

Hart has also revealed that Kanu is close to committing his future to the club by signing a one-year deal.

The Nigerian striker, who has been at the club since 2006, has been out of contract since the end of last season, but has been training with the club ever since.

Kanu had a clause in his contract last season that promised he would be offered a new one if he played a certain amount of games.

That clause has now been triggered after he made 25 appearances for the club.

Vanden Borre could go straight into Pompey's squad for Saturday's Premier League curtain-raiser against Fulham, providing the club receive international clearance for the player.

Hart said he was delighted to be bringing in a player who made his international debut at 16, and who will offer Pompey some much needed versatility.

"Van der Borre is signing today and we have another few signings in mind," said Hart.

"He's young and a Belgian international. I think he's at the stage where he's threatened to do so much for such a long time that now he's got to come up with the goods and we're looking forward to being part of it.

"He played right-back last night for his country and can play right side of midfield as well.

"His versatility is one of the biggest things that attracted me to him."