New Portsmouth boss Avram Grant is understood to be close to sealing his first signing since taking over the Fratton Park hotseat, with Benfica defender Miguel Vitor set to join on loan.

As ExtraFootie told you last month, Pompey have been chasing the highly-rated centre-back for some time and now it appears they may be about to land their man when the transfer window re-opens in January.

Skysports.com report that a deal could be tied up within the next week which would see the 20-year-old join the South Coast outfit on loan until the end of the season.

However, Benfica officials are adamant that if Vitor was to leave the Estadio da Luz it would only be on a temporary basis as he is held in high-regard by As Águias coach Jorge Jesus.

Pompey fans will be hoping Vitor can plug the gaps in their side's defence with the club currently rooted at the bottom of the Premier Legaue table and conceding eight goals in the last five days, in defeats to Manchester United and Aston Villa respectively.