Coventry to make Hartson the £17m man

John Hartson will become one of the Premiership's costliest strikers if he joins Coventry's survival battle this week.

Hartson is set for a £5million move from Wimbledon which would take his combined transfer fees to a staggering £17.7m. Coventry chairman Bryan Richardson was last night negotiating for him to team up with his Wales team-mate Craig Bellamy, and the plan is he would make his debut at Newcastle on Saturday.

It is understood Coventry would make an immediate payment of £2.5m, with additional instalments taking the fee to £5m depending on appearances by Hartson.

The 25-year-old's first move was for £2.5m from Luton to Arsenal. Then came a £3.2m switch from Highbury to West Ham and a £7m transfer from Upton Park to Wimbledon, where he has scored eight First Division goals this season.

It is hoped Hartson's experience, strength and aerial ability will complement the pace of Bellamy, who has struggled to find his best form since his £6.5m move from Norwich last summer.

Fulham, seeking a replacement for car crash victim Chris Coleman, are set to make a £3.5m bid for Coventry's Republic of Ireland centre back Gary Breen, a £2.5m buy from Birmingham City three years ago. Coleman broke a leg in three places in last week's accident.