Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway is set to pip Celtic in the battle for Portugal Under-20 striker Amido Balde, who seemed set for a £2.5m move to Scotland.

Premier League new-boys Crystal Palace are close to clinching a £2.6m move for Vitoria Guimaraes striker Amido Balde, 22, after the player snubbed Scottish Premier League champions Celtic.

Portsmouth's new owner Sulaiman al-Fahim could fund a minor spending spree with the acquisition of Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane for £4m from Lens, while bids have been placed for Watford defender Mike Williamson and Vitoria de Guimaraes' Nuno Assis

Portsmouth have made a £2m for Vitoria Guimaraes midfielder Nuno Assis and the 31-year-old said is keen on a move to Fratton Park if "the money and sport aspects can be united".

The Gunners are also on the trail of Guimaraes' Algeria striker Kamel Ghilas