ARBELOA CLOSES ON MADRID MOVE

Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa claims he is close to finalising his anticipated move to Real Madrid.

Arbeloa has been linked with a move to Real throughout the summer with his chances at Liverpool likely to be more limited this season following the signing of Glen Johnson.

Real, who are also chasing Arbeloa's team-mate Xabi Alonso, are keen to increase the number of Spaniards in their squad following the big-money arrivals of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

A £4.5million fee for Arbeloa has been mooted and the Spain international believes talks over a move to Real are making positive progress.

"At present I am only focused on Liverpool, but it is true that (the deal) is nearly completed," Arbeloa told Marca.

"As I understand, it seems everything is going well and there is little left to resolve.

"It could all be sorted out this week."

Arbeloa has made almost 100 appearances for Liverpool since joining the Premier League club from Deportivo La Coruna in January 2007.

He signed for Deportivo from Real, having failed to make an impact in his first spell at the Bernabeu after playing in the youth team for current Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

FINNAN SET FOR POMPEY SWITCH

Sky Sports News understands Steve Finnan has agreed to join Portsmouth on a one-year deal and that the defender has passed a medical.

The full-back was released by Espanyol on Monday following an unsuccessful season in Spain and it was reported he was keen on a return to the Premier League.

Former Fulham and Liverpool full-back Finnan only moved to Espanyol last September, but he failed to settle with the Primera Liga club.

Pompey boss Paul Hart has made no secret of his interest in the 33-year-old and is now on the verge of completing a deal.

The Fratton Park manager will hope to secure Finnan's move before Pompey fly to Portugal on Wednesday as part of their pre-season training.