The Premier League side are just days away from signing the burly Australian striker after Peter Crouch left the club to join Tottenham Hotspur this week, according to the local press.

The Portsmouth News claims a deal is in the pipeline and now at an advanced stage after Viduka, 33, left Newcastle United at the end of his contract and their relegation to the Championship.

The veteran hitman has been on holiday in Croatia since the end of the season as he contemplated his future and possibly even retirement.

However he is now said to be wanting to return to the Premier League, possibly on a pay per play deal after his injury-wracked spell at Newcastle.

"Mark Viduka is the latest player set to arrive at Fratton Park as Pompey continue their striker shake-up," the local newspaper said on its website.

"After seeing the Blues' hopes of snapping up £5.5m target Nikola Kalinic dashed, The News understands Pompey are hopeful of landing Viduka in the next few days.

"The move to bring in Viduka which is now accelerating, with Hart close to landing the 33-year-old. Viduka had indicated he was keeping his options open while holidaying in Croatia after being released by Newcastle.

"Pompey now appear on the brink of bolstering their numbers up front by landing the experienced hitman."

Portsmouth are also said to be chasing Egyptian striker Amr Zaki, but talks are said to be less advanced than the deal for Viduka.