Source: SKY_Sports
Grant in Pompey talks
Avram Grant is in talks with Portsmouth about a return to the club, according to Sky Sports sources.
The Israeli has not worked in football since departing as Chelsea manager at the end of the 2007/08 season when he guided them to the UEFA Champions League final, only to taste defeat to Manchester United on penalties.
He has been linked with a number of roles around the world, but he could now be set to return to Fratton Park, where he spent over 12 months as director of football before joining Chelsea in the summer of 2007.
Grant - who appeared on Goals on Sunday last weeked - is now locked in talks with Pompey, who have just been bought out for the second time in three months.
Ali Al-Faraj is the club's latest new owner and he seems keen on bringing Grant back to Fratton Park.
Hart stayThe news of talks with Grant has emerged as chief executive Peter Storrie moved to deny claims that Paul Hart was to be replaced as manager.
"Paul is going nowhere. He has done a tremendous job throughout and been an absolute brick," Storrie told The News.
"Now people are starting to see what a shrewd manager he really is. Tactically he is getting it right and is nurturing the team.
"I think everyone involved in the club saw the victory against Wolves coming.
"It was an excellent performance against Everton the week before and we are unlucky not to have come away from that even with a point.
"The eight or nine players signed before the transfer window closed have now settled and I think we've got a real balance to the side.
"So much for people having a go about supposedly having Championship players in the team. I don't think that can be said anymore.
"It takes time for a team to gel. We even saw that when Pedro Mendes and the rest of them arrived in January 2006 when Harry was here.Once they settled they kept this club in the Premier League.
"Paul Hart has done a terrific job and will continue to be manager.
"He has done fantastically well in incredibly difficult circumstances. I am very confident for the future of the club."
