Keinan Set To Complete 'Pool Move

As reported earlier tonight, Dekel Keinan is on the verge of completing his move to Blackpool after being granted a work permit on Thursday.

The Israeli international centre half had initially been rejected a permit on the basis that he had not played enough games within a specified period at international level to qualify for one, with reports suggesting that he was either one or two games short of the requirement.

However, after intervention by the Israeli FA, who demonstrated that Keinan had actually played enough games to qualify for a permit because he had been suspended for some of the games during the specified period, a permit was granted during a short appeal hearing in Wembley which was attended by Ian Holloway and Keinan's agent.

Keinan now faces an English test, which Ollie says he'll sail through because his English is better than his(!) and is then required to fly home to Israel to get his passport signed and stamped before he can complete his transfer to the Seasiders on a free transfer from Maccabi Haifa.

Ian Holloway said tonight that he expects the deal to be done by Saturday and for Keinan to play some part against Leyton Orient.

Here's to the first signing of many... we hope!

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