The 1.2-million-pound ($2.6 million Cdn) transfer is dependent on James passing a medical.

``We can confirm that Manchester City have accepted our offer and that David James will be coming to the club for a medical and to discuss personal terms,'' Portsmouth spokesman Helen Wood said.

The England backup goalkeeper, who has been offered a three-year contract, will face competition for the starting spot from Dean Kiely, whom Pompey acquired from Charlton in January.

Before joining City from West Ham in January 2004, James played at Aston Villa and Liverpool. The 36-year-old has made 34 appearances for England since his debut in 1997.

James is Pompey's second major off-season signing after the south coast club signed former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell to a two-year deal Thursday.