 Merson is on his way out at Pompey |
Walsall manager Colin Lee believes he is very close to clinching the signing of Paul Merson from Portsmouth. The former England international is not in Harry Redknapp's plans at Fratton Park after Pompey snapped up Teddy Sheringham on a free transfer.
Merson is understood to be keen on a move to the Midlands, where he spent time with Aston Villa, and now he has agreed terms with Walsall.
All that remains is for the 35-year-old to reach agreement with Portsmouth over the year he has left on his contract.
"We've had a very, very constructive meeting. Paul, I think, likes us and we, of course, like him," said Lee.
"Paul Merson is prepared to give up a substantial amount of money to enable the move to happen.
 |  At the end of the season Portsmouth said they were not able to give me a new deal, then all of a sudden they're bringing in people on bigger money than me |
"If it was about finance he would stay at Portsmouth, where he's probably being paid a king's ransom but he's not that type of person.
"He just wants to play football. He's not the type to just stay at a club picking up his wages."
However, Lee is remaining cautious until the deal is signed and sealed.
"Everyone would like it to happen, including Paul, but I've been in this game too long to say it's done and dusted.
"It depends on what happens between him and Portsmouth."
Merson is upset that Portsmouth have spent money on new signings while not offering him an improved deal.
"I'm disappointed," Merson told the Express & Star newspaper.
"I came here last season and took a massive wage cut, and now I see big-name players coming in on massive money. I didn't see too many of them here last season.
"At the end of the season Portsmouth said they were not able to give me a new deal, then all of a sudden they're bringing in people on bigger money than me.
"It's about being wanted but it's also your worth."
Merson said Walsall was the only club he had spoken to - despite reported interest from West Brom.
But he added that he was "not desperate" to leave Portsmouth and would return there if he had to.
MMIX
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