Nigeria strike Kanu close to Portsmouth deal

Nwankwo Kanu is close to agreeing a new one-year contract with Premier League club Portsmouth, according to the Nigeria striker’s agent.

Kanu’s present deal ran out at the end of last season but the former Arsenal star and his agent Samuel Okoronkwo have been in discussions with Fratton Park chief executive Peter Storrie and expect a new contract to be settled soon.

Paul Hart’s side are short on strikers following Peter Crouch’s move to Tottenham and manager Paul Hart has invited Kanu to join his team-mates on their pre-season tour to Portugal.

Okoronkwo said in The News: “Kanu is in Portugal with the rest of the team. He would not be out in Portugal if he was not close to having a new contract.

“His presence with the team is sufficient expression of how close we are. There is a situation at Portsmouth being handled by Peter Storrie.

“But as far as my client is concerned though, his commitment to the club is total. Peter (Storrie) and I have had very productive discussions and talks are progressing very well.

“The understanding is there and the commitment is there. The i’s will be dotted and the t’s crossed shortly. I’m sure whatever is not finalised will soon be sorted.

“The conditions are right and both sides are comfortable with Kanu remaining at Portsmouth for another season.”