De Zeeuw set to sign

Last updated : 10 August 2005 By Paul Farrington
Arjan De Zeeuw
De Zeeuw had put in a transfer request, he was unhappy with the new manager and felt he deserved a place in the first eleven.

That alerted Paul Jewell to the availability of signing him, Jewell said of De Zeeuw: "Without a doubt, he is the best professional I have ever worked with. There have been some good ones, but he is the ultimate."

Whilst Portsmouth were unhappy to have to let the centre back go. Pompey Chief Executive Peter Storrie said: "It's disappointing the way it has turned out and we want Arjan to stay and compete for his place.

"We have reluctantly agreed terms with Wigan and to be honest we feel our hands are tied over this after the player put in his transfer request. Though nothing has been concluded.

"Nobody knows what would happen if he stayed and it is quite possible he could impress the manager and become a main feature all season which is what it is all about in any level of football."

De Zeeuw is expected at the JJB today to discuss terms.

Meanwhile, West Brom have been linked with a £3 million offer for the Duke who has yet to sign a contract extension. There has been much speculation about the future of the 24 year old goal scorer and it is hoped that he will agree a new deal at the club.