Manchester City are reportedly leading Tottenham and Portsmouth in the race to sign Chelsea central defender Tal Ben-Haim.

The reported £5 million-rated Israel international failed to make his mark at Stamford Bridge following last summer’s free transfer from Bolton Wanderers. The 26-year-old only made 10 Premier League starts for Chelsea and would be glad to move on in search of regular football.

City boss Mark Hughes reportedly wants competition for places in central defence where he has a formidable partnership between Richard Dunne (left) and Micah Richards.

The Mail Online reports that City are clear favourites although Spurs and Pompey have also been in touch.