TONY PULIS may have lost his battle to sign one of the most important components of Pompey's recent revival.

Pulis agreed a cut-price £300,000 fee with Derby for keeper Russell Holt, but the deal was on the verge of collapse today after the keeper failed to agree personal terms.

And that could leave Pompey without his services for tonight's vital clash with West Bromwich Albion at Fratton Park.

Hoult's second month on loan at Fratton Park initially ended after tonight's clash with West Brom, but in order to chivvy negotiations along, Derby invoked a recall clause. That meant that in order for Hoult to play, Pompey would have to buy him, but although the clubs agreed the fee, the stumbling block appears to be the player.

Derby had originally asked for £550,000 for the player, but are believed to have lowered their price after Pompey agreed to take on certain contractual elements that Derby would have had to have met on Hoult's departure.

Pompey boss Pulis, who hasn't been involved in the negotiations with the player, said tersely: "It looks as though it could be in danger of being off."

If Pompey want to revive the deal they still have two days before Thursday's transfer deadline, and Pulis remains keen to sign Hoult.

"We would like him at the club, the fans have certainly taken to him and he's been a big part of what we have achieved in recent weeks," said the Pompey boss.

Hoult could be the first of three signings Pulis makes prior to Thursday's transfer deadline.

The Pompey boss said: "I would like to bring in another striker and central defender because we're still desperately short of cover in those areas."

Meanwhile Pulis has warned against taking tonight's clash with The Baggies for granted even though he says: "I think another four wins will see us safe."

Pompey could seal their safety in their home games alone, but Pulis said: "These matches are more difficult than people realise. Albion aren't going to be pushovers, they're down there with us and they need the points as much us.

With no injury worries, Pulis is likely to start with the side that won at Crewe on Saturday, although midfielder Shaun Derry needs to be careful.

Derry collected his 13th booking of the season at Crewe on Saturday and one more will earn him a carpeting at the FA's Lancaster Gate HQ.

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