Russian international striker Dmitri Bulykin has claimed he has definitely signed for Portsmouth.
Palace and Bolton were also interested in signing the Euro 2004 star, but neither were prepared to meet the price set by Bulykin’s club Dinamo Moscow.
According to Dinamo’s general director Yuri Zavarzin, that price was only €1 million (£690,000). The fact Palace were unwilling to stump up such a small sum may give some clue as to how much Bulykin impressed Dowie during his short trial spell.
"Bolton wanted me on loan, Palace didn't have enough money - but Portsmouth agreed Dinamo's terms and settled all their questions," said Bulykin, who still requires a work permit before being able to play for Pompey.
"At the moment I can't say that I'm player of Portsmouth because I need to get permission to work in England," he told Sport Express.