Pompey in Diawara talks

Portsmouth are in talks with Sochaux about a possible deal for Souleymane Diawara.

Pompey have held a long-term interest in Diawara and tried to sign him in last January's transfer window.

Sochaux are thought to be willing to sell the towering central defender for the right price and Portsmouth are now trying to thrash out a deal for the player.

Diawara is keen on a move to England and the player's agent Roger Boli has revealed both clubs are in discussions about a deal.

"My business partner Willie McKay and I have been in contact with Portsmouth and Portsmouth have been in contact with Sochaux," Boli told skysports.com.

"Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie and Sochaux chairman Jean-Claude Plessis had a meeting in Paris at the beginning of the week and a fee is being negotiated.

"Diawara has spoken to Harry Redknapp and he knows they are trying to build a big team there."

Pompey's Premiership rivals Bolton Wanderers and Middlesbrough have also been linked with a move for Diawara.