Pompey back on Diawara's trail

Portsmouth are set to rekindle their interest in Senegal defender Souleymane Diawara.

The Fratton Park outfit tried to sign the Sochaux ace last January, but failed to do a deal before the close of the transfer window.

Sochaux are now believed to be ready to sell the towering defender for a fee in the region of £3 million.

Pompey funded by Russian millionaire Sacha Gaydamak are set to be busy in the transfer market this summer and Diawara is among their list of targets.

The player's agent Willie McKay admitted Portsmouth were keen on Diawara and that they have held talks with Sochaux over a possible transfer.

"Portsmouth have been interested in Diawara for some time and they tried to sign him in January," McKay told skysports.com.

"Harry Redknapp has kept tabs on him since and he is very keen on him.

"Diawara is keen to play in England and he is suited to playing in the Premiership.

"Sochaux have indicated they could let him leave for the right price and we will wait and see what happens."