Portsmouth are chasing Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari.
The Mirror says the Carling Cup quarter-finalists, now emerging from a troubled season off the field, remain confident that a transfer embargo placed on them last month by the Football League will be lifted soon.
Once that happens, the club will move quickly to reinforce the squad in order as they continue to fight relegation.
City's Benjani, 31, will be available in January as Zimbabwe has not qualified for the African Nations Cup.