Hermann in talks with Addicks

HERMANN Hreidarsson will today hold talks with Charlton Athletic after the London club matched Portsmouth's bid for the Icelander, writes Derek Davis.

Hreidarsson was mulling over Premiership-bound Pompey's offer when Ipswich Town were approached by the Addicks.

The Blues have accepted offers from both clubs believed to be in the region of an initial £750,000 with add-ons and have left it to the popular attack-minded defender to make up his own mind about which club to join.

Hreidarsson met with Pompey manager Harry Redknapp and chief executive Peter Storey on Monday evening and is due to meet Alan Curbishley and Charlton chief executive Peter Varney this afternoon.

Hreidarsson last night told me: "These are an exciting couple of options for me. I understand that Ipswich Town have had to accept these offers and I will weigh up each club carefully before deciding.

"I was impressed with Harry Redknapp and what Portsmouth had to say but I have told them another club has come in and I need time to decide, which they understand."

While Portsmouth are an attractive and ambitious club who seem certain to go up automatically, Alan Curbishley's established Premiership outfit may offer more appeal to Hreidarsson, who is reluctant to uproot his family who are happily settled in Ipswich.

In footballing terms, Hreidarsson may also consider Charlton a better bet with UEFA Cup qualification still very much a possibility but much would depend on the salary offered and length of contract.

With the transfer deadline set for 5pm tomorrow Hreidarsson will have to make his mind up sharpish. Although Blues' supporters would be pleased to see him stay the financial implications are well known and the reduction of his and Darren Ambrose's salaries would be a major help in reducing the club's overall long-term debt.

The 28-year-old is recovering well from a badly gashed lower thigh and has already been working out and hopes to be playing early next month.