Ertl set for Pompey deal

Johnny Ertl, left, is poised to sign a contract with Pompey

Johnny Ertl is on course to become the latest player to sign up for Guy Whittingham's Pompey revolution.

The Blues are closing in on securing a deal for their skipper following his return from three weeks backpacking in the Philippines.

Ertl returned on Thursday, although he is now currently back in his native Austria.

However, a breakthrough has been made in discussions with the agent of Pompey’s player of the season, leaving Whittingham highly confident the influential midfielder will now put pen to paper.

The Blues boss himself embarks on a two-week holiday to Majorca on Monday.

But he believes the wheels are firmly in motion for Ertl to become recruit number 13 of what has so far been a busy summer.

Whittingham said: ‘Johnny is progressing well but he is not in the country.

‘That is where that is and I am soon away for two weeks.