Prospective new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim has spoken of his ambitious plans for Portsmouth, with a takeover set to be completed in the next few weeks.
"I'm excited about the club, and I've signed the memorandum," he told The National newspaper in Abu Dhabi.
"I will develop the academy there to develop local talent, try to bring in new players and set up relationships with clubs in Europe, Asia and Africa."
The property tycoon has vowed to travel to Britain to watch his new team play.
Al Fahim, a billionaire born in 1977, acted as the initial figurehead when Abu Dhabi United Group took control of Manchester City last summer.
His involvement became more distant as Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed took charge, but it sparked an interest in English football and he is now set to succeed current Portsmouth owner Alexandre Gaydamak.
Nigel Tressider, chairman of the official Portsmouth FC supporters club, welcomed the developments and said: "It's fantastic news.
"He will be welcomed with open arms by the terrific Portsmouth fans.
"I don't think he would have bought the club unless he has enough money to put it on the right track, and that is going to take a lot of money, hundreds of millions of pounds."
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