Mancini agent coy on Pompey

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Roberto Mancini's representative has refused to add fuel to growing speculation that the Italian could be set to be named manager of Portsmouth.

Pompey are currently awaiting United Arab Emirates businessman Sulaiman Al Fahim's takeover of the South Coast club to be completed.

At present, the Fratton Park side are without a permanent boss after interim head coach Paul Hart's contract expired at the end of last season.

Former Inter Milan manager Mancini continues to be linked with a move to Portsmouth, but his agent, Giorgios de Giorgi, has remained coy on the claims.

De Giorgi said in The News: "There is nothing to say about this."

Exodus

Meanwhile, amid fears of an exodus, Al Fahim's takeover group has revealed it has plans in place to ensure Pompey will have a strong squad heading into the new season.

Al Fahim's adviser Ivo Ilic Gabara said: "We will sit down with the management team when the takeover is completed and discuss what is needed at that stage.

"There are obviously plans to talk about what is needed for the season ahead. We can't move on with those plans until Mr Al Fahim is the owner of Portsmouth Football Club.

Reassurances

"His main priority at this time lies with completing the purchase of the club. But there is a belief that everything remains on course - and once the purchase is complete, he will be able to move on quickly from there.

"We can assure Portsmouth supporters that everything remains on schedule."

Gabara added: "We are working in the time frame to be completed in July. We are confident due diligence will be finished earlier in the month than later.

"Obviously, once that is completed then there is still the fit-and-proper-person test. The length that takes lies in the hands of the Premier League."