DOUBTS have been cast over Gavin McCann’s proposed transfer from the Reebok to Portsmouth.

Pompey had hoped to land the midfield ball-winner before their game at Arsenal tomorrow but The Bolton News understands that talks have stalled because the player is not keen on a move so far from his base on the Fylde coast.

McCann started Wanderers’ first game of the season but Gary Megson has intimated that he is prepared to move on both him and defender Danny Shittu in order to raise funds for a new striker.

The Whites boss yesterday admitted that talks between the two parties had reached an impasse.

He confirmed that both players were in his plans for tomorrow’s trip to face Hull but that any departures between now and the end of the transfer window would allow him room to shuffle his squad.

“We need to move people on to try and agitate it a little bit and get some movement,” he said.

“There are negotiations, but they’re difficult and long-winded, so we’ll see.

“If the lads end up leaving and joining Portsmouth, or anyone else, or if any other player is going, then we will need to bring people in.

“As we stand we’ve got 21 outfield players and they’re not exactly 21 really top drawer ones. There are some really good players in there, but there are some people that we’ve brought in just to give them a chance of going forward and it doesn't always work out.”

Portsmouth face some competition for Nigeria international Shittu, with Nottingham Forest and Derby County both monitoring his progress.

The likelihood of his transfer reaching a conclusion looks more positive, although sources in Portsmouth say the club would prefer a loan move because of the club’s current financial situation.

Megson has reiterated his desire to sign a striker before the end of the transfer window but ruled out a move for Leeds United’s Jermaine Beckford.

Reports had linked the Wanderers boss with a £2.5million bid for the Elland Road favourite, who has just one year left on his contract.

“You’re going to get a lot of this kind of thing because people know we are looking for a certain position,” he said.

“Agents see that window closing down and the gossip fills papers.

“It’s wrong of me to say no, or yes, because it’s an agenda that I haven’t created. I’ve never told anyone the name of the player that we are trying to bring in - I don’t do that.”