Pompey manager Tony Pulis is pinning his hopes on keeper Russell Hoult spearheading a trident of deadline-day signings to prod his side's last push towards towards safety.

But, while Pulis is keen to tie up three new men today, Sammy Igoe could be heading out of Fratton Park. Igoe (pictured), who played in yesterday's friendly against Saints at Staplewood, is believed to be the subject of renewed interest by Reading, who inquired about the pint-sized midfielder a couple of months ago.

Pulis would want to redress the balance if he brings players in and Igoe does not appear to currently figure in Pulis's plans, having not even got as far as the bench for Tuesday night's win over West Brom.

Meanwhile, Pulis has said: "The door has been left open," for keeper Russell Hoult.

The £300,000 deal to permanently sign the big keeper who has been on loan at Fratton Park for the last two months, appeared to be dead in the water on Tuesday when he rejected the terms offered to him.

Derby have refused to extend Hoult's loan spell into a third month but, with the clubs having agreed a fee, Pulis said: "It's now down to him to decide whether he wants to come here and play first-team football or not."

Pulis is hoping to bring in two other new faces today, with his target a central defender and striker.

The Pompey boss was on a scouting mission last night but refused to say who his targets are.

l Pompey's youth team failed to make their Wembley dream come true - and give a perfect farewell to manager Neil McNab - when they lost 3-1 to West Bromwich Albion in last night's Youth Alliance Cup semi-final at The Hawthorns.

McNab will leave Fratton Park at the end of the season as part of Pulis's back-room shake-up and, fittingly, his son Joe scored Pompey's consolation goal.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.