By Neil Ravenscroft
July 15 2003

PlanetFootball are reporting this morning that the Merson deal is almost sealed. The article has some quotes from Colin Lee to that effect. Whether this is just a rehash of previous information and the quotes from Lee haven't been used before, it is difficult to say, but PlanetFootball are reporting that the Merson deal is almost done.

Colin Lee is quoted as saying that there are only some minor problems for the player to sort out at the Portsmouth end and then Merson will be a Saddler!

Sky Sports News are now reporting that Portsmouth have given Merson "2 days leave" to finalise his move to Walsall.

Harry Redknapp is quoted as saying that Merson does not feel he can play in the Premiership and is determined to move.

Reading between the lines, he must have refused to go on their pre season tour, so it is unclear if the 2 days includes yesterday.

Things move apace!