LAURENT Robert's proposed move to the Reebok Stadium is on the verge of collapse.

Wanderers are ready to end their interest unless the Newcastle winger eases up on his demands for a three-year contract.

Premiership long-time admirers Portsmouth are now in the box seat for the signature of Robert who was expected to meet Pompey boss Alain Perrin for talks on Tuesday.

Reports that Robert had agreed personal terms and was meeting Wanderers representatives were untrue.

No agreement has been reached over personal terms or the fee with Newcastle and Whites boss Sam Allardyce confirmed today: "Laurent Robert is considering our offer. There's a long way to go before anything can be agreed."

Sources in Newcastle believe Portsmouth will win the race for Robert who likes the thought of eight flights a day from the south coast to Paris.

Wanderers' interest could still be rekindled but only if Robert is ready to accept a contract for two years or less and Newcastle reduce their £1.5m asking price.

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness would have no problem with the latter as he is desperate to get rid of the Frenchman and is prepared to give him away if necessary.

One possible alternative to Robert for Wanderers could be former Leeds United left back Ian Harte.

The Republic of Ireland international has spent a season at Levante but is believed to want to move back to the Premiership to boost his World Cup selection hopes.

Levante have just been relegated and Harte, like Robert, a left-sided free kick specialist, would provide an instant replacement for Wanderers full-back Vincent Candela who is on his way back to Italy.

Wanderers are also keeping their eye on the world market in centre halves with Radhi Jaidi's Reebok future in doubt.

Wanderers have rejected the Tunisian's transfer request but will not be happy that the giant defender has expressed a wish to leave.

Allardyce has been linked with Lens' Abdoulaye Diagne Faye and Sotirios Kyrgiakos of Panathinaikos.

Faye was on loan at Istres last season who finished bottom of the French First Division and has refused to step down a division.

Faye would fit the bill for Wanderers as he has European experience in the Champions League and, like the departed Fernando Hierro, can also operate in the holding midfield role.

Kyrgiakos has been on loan at Rangers who are understood to be unwilling to part with £1million to take him full time.

Allardyce is reported in Glasgow's Daily Record as saying: "We have had an eye on the player for quite a while but we've not taken it any further than that.

"We've been watching what he's been doing with Rangers with great interest but I know nothing about the situation between them and Panathinaikos.

"Obviously, though, it would be fair to say that Kyrgiakos has interested me for some time - I can't deny that."