Portsmouth are set to continue their summer spending spree by signing former World Cup finalist Antonio Benarrivo.

The veteran former Italy international defender is available on a free transfer after being released by Parma.

"We have agreed a deal in principle with Antonio," Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie told the club's official website.

"He is looking around the area for a couple of days and we are hopeful of securing his signing in the next 48 hours or so.

"He is proven and yet another player who has consistently played at the top of his profession.

"Antonio is very highly rated and can play anywhere across the back."

At the beginning of July Benarrivo looked set to join Fulham.

Last season he was unable to hold down a regular place in a Parma team that finished 10th in Serie A.

Benarrivo has played 23 times for Italy and was a member of the team beaten in the 1994 World Cup final by Brazil.

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp's other summer signings include Paul Merson and former West Ham trio Shaka Hislop, Hayden Foxe and Svetoslav Todorov.