By Paul Holmes
August 1 2002

Former England midfielder Paul Merson looks likely to join Portsmouth after several public disagreements with Villa boss Graham Taylor. The relationship between Merson and Taylor has become strained over the last few weeks. Merson has stated that he is not happy to sit on the bench whilst Taylor has replied that he wants Merson to be Villa's 'super-sub'. Taylor is also unhappy at comments made by Merson regarding Turkish defender Alpay which Taylor feels should have been kept in-house.

It seems that Merson's career is over at Villa Park and the Daily Mirror reports that Taylor 'publicly humiliated' Merson in front of the whole squad after his outbursts and is happy to see Merson leave for nothing.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp is a long-time fan of Merson and would love the prospect of signing him, as he revealed to the Daily Mirror. "We are definitely interested in obtaining Paul's services if that proves possible.

"Paul is a top player, he would be a terrific signing for the club."

Redkanpp's assistant, Jim Smith, revealed that talks are already underway.