PENNLILESS Portsmouth are closing in on former Middlesbrough star Bolo Zenden after completing the loan signing of Belgium ace Anthony Vanden Borre. (Daily Star)The 21-year-old midfielder is expected to fly into England today to tie up his season's loan from Genoa after playing for Belgium against the Czech Republic last night.

PENNLILESS Portsmouth are closing in on former Middlesbrough star Bolo Zenden after completing the loan signing of Belgium ace Anthony Vanden Borre. (Daily Star)

The 21-year-old midfielder is expected to fly into England today to tie up his season's loan from Genoa after playing for Belgium against the Czech Republic last night.

Manager Paul Hart hopes to beat Blackburn and Hull to bring 32-year-old Zenden back to the Premier League.

The Dutch international is available on a free after being released by Marseille.

Zenden, who played 133 Premier League games for Boro, Chelsea and Liverpool, said: “Hull, Blackburn and Portsmouth have expressed an interest and I am in talks with all those clubs.

“There are other teams interested but my main preference is to move to England. The Premier League is the best in the world with best players.

“I am in Holland at the minute but once everything is agreed I am ready to get on the first flight to England.”

Hart is being forced to shop in the bargain basement to replace the 10 players Pompey have sold or released over the summer.

The former Nottingham Forest boss has also held talks with Rennes about taking French midfielder Olivier Thomert on loan.