Pompey eye Pana ace

Mattos on Portsmouth's agenda

By Fotis Voinikas   Last updated: 3rd June 2008

Pompey eye Pana ace

Mattos: Pompey target

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Portsmouth are reported to have made a move for Panathinaikos star Marcelo Mattos.

The Brazilian midfielder only moved to Athens last summer after they bought him from Corinthians, where he previously played alongside the likes of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

Mattos enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in Greece, but that has brought attention from around Europe.

Mattos signed a four-year deal when he joined Pana but he has a release clause of 7million euros (£5.9million), which Pompey are reported to have matched.

Pompey are said to have been in contact with Mattos' representatives and a deal is close to being struck as Pana cannot refuse the offer.

Pana are now looking at their options, including a new deal for the 24-year-old but it appears they are fighting a losing battle.

The Athens club are also currently without a coach which complicates the issue further.

They have spoken with former Getafe chief Michael Laudrup and offered him a three-year contract, although they have other options including Alain Perrin and former Chelsea coach Henk Ten Cate.